The employment rate at Dutch companies considered to be ‘social enterprises’ has risen 36% since 2015 while turnover in the sector has gone up 24%, according to a new report.

The Social Enterprise Monitor is based on the experiences of 129 companies which see their role as about more than just making profits.

In total, 32% of the companies covered in the report say their most important aim is to improve the employment opportunities open to vulnerable groups. One in five aims to combat environmental pollution, 17% are aimed at combating poverty and a further 17% say they hope to improve social cohesion.

Almost 80% of the social enterprises which applied for outside funding last year were able to get it. This shows social enterprises also offer a strong business case, the monitor says.

The survey was sent to all 221 members of the Social Enterprise NL network and 129 replied.

Almost 40% of the firms which took part are profitable, one-third breaks even and most of the loss makers are in the start-up phase.