Social Enterprises and Community Ownership

Amanda Martin Excerpts

Wednesday 18th March 2026 Westminster Hall

[Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)]

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir John. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh and Atherton (Jo Platt) for securing this important debate.

Ownership matters. It shapes who makes decisions, who benefits and, ultimately, whether growth is felt in our communities or extracted from them. For too long, ownership has been weighted away from local people, and toward distant shareholders and absentee investors. That is why social enterprise, co-operatives and community-owned businesses are vital. They keep wealth circulating locally, reinvest profits into services and jobs, and give people a real stake and pride in the places they live in. We often talk about growth, but growth alone is not enough. It does not translate into stronger communities, a sense of belonging, better living standards or greater economic fairness. Social enterprises show us that there is more than one way to do business, and that there is one where success can be shared.

An example from my community that brings that to life is the once-disused bank on Cosham high street that has been transformed into the vibrant Community Kettle. That small but remarkable community-interest company is run by a diverse team, many of whom have faced personal challenges, including disabilities and medical retirement. Together, they have created something powerful. They have turned an empty space into a thriving community asset, hosting a regular “chatter caff” to tackle loneliness, quiz nights, bingo, craft sessions and educational historical talks.

The Community Kettle is a lifeline for many people in the local area and, crucially, it is rooted in the community it serves. The value that it creates does not leave; it stays in the local area. However, its journey highlights barriers that many social enterprises face. My office has supported it with casework, and with the help of Labour councillors it was eventually able to secure a grant that has helped it to continue its work—but it should not have had to fight so hard.

If we are serious about unlocking the potential of social enterprises, we must address the structural challenges they face, whether that is access to finance, clearer business and strategic support, or ensuring that the public properly recognise and promote these models. If we want truly resilient local economies, we must consider this issue. Can the Minister set out what further steps his Department and all Government Departments can take to ensure that social enterprises and community-owned businesses are not just supported, but actively prioritised as part of a growth strategy?