Minister Archibald addresses Social Enterprise annual conference
26th Feb 2026
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has thanked the social enterprise sector for its work in creating opportunity, strengthening communities and contributing directly to our economic future.
The Minister was speaking at Social Enterprise NI’s Annual Conference in Derry, where she updated the audience on progress one year on from the introduction of her Department’s Social Enterprise Action Plan.
The update highlights a year of strong progress and real momentum across the sector.
The Minister said: “I am committed to harnessing the community, social and economic impact of the social enterprise sector across the north.
“That is why, through my Social Enterprise Action Plan, I am working to support the sector and harness its unrealised potential. I am pleased to report that this update paints a positive picture of a sector that is growing in confidence, capability, and visibility, and a policy environment that is strengthening alongside it.”
The Social Enterprise Action Plan – One Year on update is available at: www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/social-enterprise-action-plan
Recent research launched by the Minister concluded that the social enterprise sector contributes an estimated £933million in turnover to north’s economy and supports over 17,000 jobs spread throughout all regions of the north. It found that 44% of NI social enterprises are female-led and that the sector has a strong presence in the most deprived communities.
The Minister continued: “Social enterprises have demonstrated through this research, how valuable they are to inclusive economic growth and sustainability across the region. I want to thank everyone in the sector. Your work creates opportunity, strengthens communities and contributes directly to our economic future.
“Looking ahead, my ambition is clear. I want a social enterprise sector that is confident and visible; Integrated into our economic system; Supported to scale and innovate and recognised for the economic value it creates, as well as the social impact it delivers.”
Social Enterprise NI’s Annual Conference brought together nearly 150 attendees, including social enterprises, policymakers and sector partners from across north. The conference was hosted in Derry for the first time, reflecting the importance of ensuring regional balance and recognising the strength and diversity of social enterprise activity across all parts of the north.
