Methodology
A substantial literature review was carried out at the start of this project. Using the Triodos bank client list, and lists of social enterprises gained from thorough web searches, a sample target list of enterprises from across the UK was developed. 40 social enterprise organisations were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, mostly by telephone, with some face-to-face interviews and an overall picture of the issues facing social enterprises regarding technical business support was completed. The sample was broken down by size (SME definitions) and location (RDAs), activity (Triodos sectors) and a mixture of Triodos clients and non-clients. Specific sub sector interviews including the electrical and electronics waste refurbishment and recycling sector, and the care sector were carried out (some 10 enterprises were involved).
Work on this project was carried out by Ceri Thomas and Frances Hines.
