Briefly, social enterprises can be defined as organisations which trade in goods or services and link that trade to a social mission.  It can be that the profit (or surplus) is used to support related or unrelated social aims, e.g. charity shops.

Alternatively, it could be that the business accomplishes the social aim through its operation, for example through the employment of people from a disadvantaged community, such as Jamie Oliver's restaurant, Fifteen.

Devon County Council is working to transfer some services and facilities to social enterprises, and ensure that procurement policies are compatible with this approach.   PLUSS, which provides employment for adults with disabilities is a successful social enterprise developed through a joint Devon, Torbay and Plymouth Council initiative.