Press Releases

by John Pearce
with a chapter by Alan Kay

Published by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Price: £8.95 | Paperback | 192pp | ISBN 0 903319 97 7

Publication Date: 28 February 2003

Just ten years ago social enterprise was still seen as a cranky subset of the private sector. Today it is recognised as a truly progressive way to do business, which is reaping unprecedented economic, social and environmental returns.

In his book Social Enterprise in Anytown, John Pearce examines the growing enthusiasm within government, business and consumer circles for this emerging alternative economic model. He maps out the changes that have fostered the rise of the social enterprise sector since his seminal book, At the Heart of the Community Economy, was published in 1993.

John Pearce eloquently shows that as businesses run for a social or environmental purpose, social enterprises are harnessing an entrepreneurial spirit that has eluded more traditional attempts to bring about social change. And unlike the private sector model, this commercial zeal is being used to generate surpluses that are reinvested back into the community -- profits are not payed out to individuals or shareholders.

Social Enterprise in Anytown offers a comprehensive guide to social enterprise and examines the key values that distinguish it from other systems. In the run up to his book launch, John Pearce described his vision of how social enterprise might come to dominate the economy of Anytown.

'Anytown has an intricate network of social economy organisation,' he said. 'All are seeking to better the quality of life for local people rather than to create personal wealth for individuals. The story of Anytown is a story of what social, community and cooperative enterprises can do. Everything described in Anytown is happening somewhere and everything is possible.'

The book demonstrates that the steady growth of the sector has been matched by a growing recognition of its contribution to the UK economy. As such, it is also being courted by central figures in government to play a key role in modernising and reforming public services and in a market-led approach to regeneration.

The time has come, John Pearce argues, for social enterprise to have a recognised legal status and an independent development and financing infrastructure managed by the sector itself.

'Social enterprises are not businesses; they are social enterprises. They require social enterprise plans, not business plans. They require support and financing mechanisms which reflect their values,' he said.

Andrew Robinson, Head of Community Development Banking at NatWest/RBS, which has supported the book, agrees. He said: 'For some the emerging social enterprise market is invisible. For others, it is something very real. It's almost as if it's hidden in plain view. The key reason for us supporting this book is to widen understanding of the huge potential of this emerging market.'

Packed with practical information, such as a five-stage process of social accounting, the book is a must-read for both budding and veteran social entrepreneurs. Its accessible style also makes it an invaluable text for those with an interest in the changing face of the UK economy.

John Pearce is available for interview.

Further information and review copies from: Felicity Luard or Louisa Hooper
Tel: 020 7908 7604, Fax: 020 7908 7580
E-mail: info@gulbenkian.org.uk

Social Enterprise in Anytown is available through booksellers in the UK or can be ordered from Central Books:
E-mail: orders@centralbooks.com
Website: www.centralbooks.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• John Pearce, who lives in Scotland, has been involved in community-based development work for over 30 years. He runs his own consultancy - Community Enterprise Consultancy and Research - and is an active director of the Community Business Scotland Network and also associated with COMMACT (Commonwealth Association for Local Action and Economic Development) and the European Network for Economic Self-help and Local Development. Publications include At the Heart of the Community Economy: Community Enterprise in a changing world (1993) and Centres for Curiosity and Imagination: When is a museum not a museum? (1996).
• A chapter by his colleague and collaborator, Alan Kay, explores the importance of social capital to the formation, growth and sustainability of social enterprises and Pearce concludes with specific recommendations designed to speed the advance of the social economy generally.
• The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was set up in Lisbon in 1956. The UK Branch gives grants to Arts, Education and Social Welfare projects, and publishes books reflecting emergent trends. Recent influential publications on social welfare issues have included Why Restorative Justice? Repairing the harm caused by crime and Locked In - Locked Out: The experience of young offenders out of society and in prison.

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