Why Social Value is not Just Good Business – it’s Smart Business.

For too long, Social Value in business has been seen as a compliance exercise something businesses and organisations do to meet procurement requirements or tick the CSR box. But that mindset is thankfully changing. From small businesses to multinational corporations, a new approach is taking root: social value not as a cost centre, but a purpose driven business strategy and growth engine. The business case for Social Value is indisputable.

At Enterprise Evolution, we believe that social value should be at the heart of business strategy and not sitting in the margins. It’s not just about doing good. It’s about doing well by doing good.

The Business Case for Social Value: Growing Trust, Growth, and Resilience

We live in an era of high public and stakeholder scrutiny and low levels of trust. Customers, investors, and communities want to see businesses and organisations walk the talk. Adding community value drives business growth and resilience in today’s changing economic landscape, helping to build brand trust.

There is strong evidence that purpose-led companies consistently outperform competitors on customer choice and loyalty, talent attraction, and brand strength.

There is now strong evidence that purpose-led companies consistently outperform competitors on customer choice and loyalty, talent attraction, and brand strength.

Trust is now the new currency, and social value is a critical investment strategy. When businesses honestly align their operations with the needs and priorities of the communities they serve, trust follows. And with trust comes loyalty, referrals, and long-term growth.

Social Impact Investing for Procurement and Market Access

The shift towards social impact investing, ESG alignment, and social procurement means that organisations that can evidence their value to society are better positioned for growth new markets and cross-sector partnerships.

More investors, buyers, and supply chains are actively seeking businesses that deliver social outcomes alongside financial returns. Social value is becoming a clear competitive edge in securing customers, talent and sustainable growth opportunities.

Prioritising societal impact is opening the doors to procurement and market access across the world with the UK and Ireland, public procurement frameworks increasingly reward businesses that can deliver demonstrable social impact.

But the biggest wins go to those who embed impact into their delivery model, not just their marketing materials. Procurement isn’t just buying services anymore it’s helping address wider social and community challenges by leveraging the expertise and social value actions of businesses and social enterprises.

Social value now directly influences access to public contracts, preferred supplier lists, and framework agreements especially in sectors such construction, tech, health, and professional services.

Social value now directly influences access to public contracts, preferred supplier lists, and framework agreements especially in sectors such construction, tech, health, and professional services.

Innovation and Future-Readiness

Investing in social impact is also a source of innovation for businesses and organisations. When they engage meaningfully with communities and stakeholders, they often uncover unmet needs, fresh ideas, and new business opportunities. This insight is a powerful springboard for innovation whether it’s a new service, product, or business model. Real social value work opens up new ways of thinking, working, and creating resulting in more innovative, customer focused , and future-ready solutions.

From supporting apprenticeships, to climate change and digital inclusion, the future will demand more from businesses and organisations. Embedding social value into your operations now means you’re building agility, relevance, and long-term sustainability.

Social value equips businesses to anticipate and adapt to shifting policy, workforce expectations, and societal priorities. It isn’t an add-on but a strategic lens for growth. Businesses that embrace it will not only survive but thrive in an economy that’s increasingly shaped by purpose, equity, and impact.

Partnering for Impact: Enterprise Evolution’s Approach

It’s clear the business case for Social Value is strong. At Enterprise Evolution, we help organisations turn social value into a strength. From strategy and design to delivery and measurement, we work with businesses to embed impact meaningfully, drive innovation, and build resilience.

Let’s stop asking, “How much do we have to do?” and start asking, “How much more could we achieve?”

About the Author: Maggie O’Carroll is Founder and CEO of The Women’s Organisation, an award-winning social enterprise, working nationally and internationally, providing research, policy, training, advice, and incubation services. Maggie is Executive Director of Enterprise Evolution.

Maggie is a visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Hunter Centre, Strathclyde University, Co-Chair of the Women’s Enterprise Policy Group, and a visiting scholar at the Haydn Green Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Nottingham University.

Maggie is actively involved in shaping women’s economic development and SME policy on a local, national, and international basis. Her work has been recognised across the UK, with business accolades including ‘Entrepreneurs Champion of the Year’ and ‘Social Leader of the Year’.