A recent poll taken of over 130 social enterprises in London found that the majority surveyed are unaffected by the recession. Half of all those surveyed believed that the recession had created new business opportunities and 72% were planning for modest of substantial growth over the next three years.

The poll also explored how the recession has impacted on social enterprises' ability to access finance. 82% of enterprise surveyed reported no change in their financing arrangements with banks or specialist social enterprise lenders. The finding was confirmed through separate interviews with social enterprise lenders who reported no significant changes in lending practices because of the recession. Tamara Pekelman, Business Advisor, thinks that the poll results pointed to a thriving social enterprise sector in London.

Pekelman added that in difficult economic conditions, people increasingly looked to the social enterprise model as a way of starting a new business. However what's overlooked is that, despite being governed by social objectives, social enterprises still have business needs and are expected to behave like a business.

Social Enterprises need to be equipped with the correct tools so that they can fully use these growth opportunities, which is why Business Link in London runs a tailored programme of workshops and seminars for social enterprises. Their specialist advisors provide practical advice and deliver intensive dedicated one-to-one support either face to face of via the Business Link for London helpline.