Social Enterprise and Cost-of-Living Crisis – Research Dissemination Event at De Montfort University

On the 18^th of December 2023, De Montfort University hosted a pivotal research dissemination event facilitated by Leicester Castle Business School researchers. This gathering brought together founders and directors of social enterprises, fostering a rich exchange of insights and strategies in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

The event was divided into two phases:

• The first phase revealed findings from the initial stage of research into social enterprises and their role in addressing the cost-of-living crisis.
• In the second phase, founders and directors participated in a focus group discussion centred on dynamic capabilities for building resilient organisations.

Before revealing phase one findings, Professor David Rae, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Business and Law, spotlighted the faculty’s impactful research initiatives.

Professor David Rae, Associate Dean, Research and Innovation Faculty of Business and Law, De Montfort University 

Darsh Chauhan, Knowledge Exchange Officer, explored knowledge exchange approaches and partnerships with social enterprises and charities.

Darsh Chauhan, Knowledge Exchange Officer, De Montfort University

Here is a concise summary of the key insights unveiled during this impactful dissemination:

1. Social enterprise innovations: The event showcased the cost-driven and defensive-market strategies deployed by social enterprises to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. These strategies ranged from fuel vouchers, clothes drive to corporate tour guides, demonstrating these enterprises’ pivotal role in creating solutions aligned with the challenges faced by individuals and communities.

2. Community-centric approaches: Throughout the event, a recurring theme highlighted the importance of community-centric approaches. Social enterprises are not only addressing immediate needs but actively engaging local communities in developing and executing their initiatives. This collaborative effort ensures tailor-made solutions, sensitive to the specific circumstances of the populations they serve.

3. Partnerships and collaboration: Emphasis was placed on the significance of partnerships and collaborations between social enterprises, local councils, and the private sector. By pooling resources and expertise, these entities can amplify their impact and devise a more comprehensive response to the multifaceted challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis.

4. Leader’s discretion: The autonomy and discretion exercised by social entrepreneurs emerged as a pivotal aspect in crafting responses to the cost-of-living crisis. These leaders not only identify challenges but also leverage their creativity, adaptability, and deep understanding of community needs to design tailored solutions. Their ability to swiftly pivot and implement agile strategies proves invaluable in addressing the dynamic and multifaceted nature of this crisis.

Reflecting on these insights, it is evident that social enterprises stand at the forefront of driving needs-based solutions to the cost-of-living crisis. Their commitment to adaptive innovations, community-centric solutions, collaborative partnerships, and the exercise of leadership discretion paves a promising path for fostering more resilient organisations.

Attendees at the dissemination event 

L-R – Dr Sally Kah (Project Lead), Professor David Rae (Associate Dean, Research and Innovation Faculty of Business and Law) Dr Amal Abuzeinab (Project Member) and Dr Olapeju Ogunmokun (Project Member)

Researchers

Dr Sally Kah, De Montfort University, sally.kah@dmu.ac.uk
Dr Amal Abuzeinab, De Montfort University, amal.abuzeinab@dmu.ac.uk
Dr William Murithi, Ashesi University, Strathmore University, wmurithi@strathmore.edu
Mawish Munawar, Birmingham City University, mawish.munawar@bcu.ac.uk
Dr Olapeju Ogunmokun, De Montfort University, Olapeju.ogunmokun@dmu.ac.uk
Dr Samuel Osei-Nimo, Nottingham Trent University, Samuel.osei-nimo@bcu.ac.uk

For further information about the Social Enterprise and Cost-of-Living Crisis research, please contact the Project Lead – Dr Sally Kah at sally.kah@dmu.ac.uk

Acknowledgement

We thank the following individuals for their contributions and support leading to the completion of the research dissemination. 

Prof. David Rae, Associate Dean, Research and Innovation 
Dr Brahim Herbane, Deputy Head of School, Leadership, Management and Marketing (LMM)
Darsh Chauhan, Knowledge Exchange Officer
Faith Bamidele, Doctoral Candidate, LMM
Jan Holland and Samima Hussain, BAL RIO Team
Surbjit Rai, Executive Support Team, LMM

Finally, the social enterprise founders and directors for participating in this research.

Author: Dr Sally Kah, De Montfort University