From Washing Machines to Walking Tours: Minister for Communities Sees Social Enterprise in Action

17 Jan 2025

When you think about discussing economic growth and living standards, a community launderette might not be the first venue that springs to mind. But that’s exactly where we found ourselves today with Alex Norris MP, Minister for Local Growth & High Streets, seeing first-hand how social enterprises are transforming local communities. 

Our Strategic Projects team hosted the Minister at Kitty’s Launderette in Liverpool’s Anfield/Everton area, where the gentle hum of washing machines provided the backdrop to conversations about community-led economic growth.  

The visit was a fantastic opportunity to introduce the Minister to two of SSE’s Fellows: Grace Harrison from Kitty’s Launderette and John Maguire from Arts Groupie CIC, both pioneering social entrepreneurs making waves in Liverpool’s social economy.

 

“Social enterprises aren’t just creating jobs – they’re rebuilding the fabric of our communities”

“What we’re seeing in Liverpool is a perfect example of how local people can create sustainable businesses that tackle social challenges while generating real economic value.” 

– Robin Chu, Director of Partnerships & Policy at SSE.

 

Kitty’s Launderette isn’t your ordinary launderette. As a worker-community cooperative, they’ve created Real Living Wage jobs while providing essential services and a welcoming social space. With 70% of their income now coming from trading activities, they’re showing how social enterprises can build sustainable futures.

Working across the region and touring shows around the UK, Arts Groupie CIC has found innovative ways to make the arts accessible to all in Liverpool and beyond. What started as heritage walking tours has blossomed into a sustainable funding model for free community workshops and creative programming. Each ticket sold helps fund arts education and community outreach, creating a ripple effect of positive impact. 

The Minister was particularly interested in how social enterprises can breathe new life into vacant spaces. Kitty’s Launderette demonstrates how the social enterprise model can transform an otherwise empty building into a true community asset that generates sustainable and local employment, skills development, and social connections. 

 

Minister Norris said: “Social enterprises can play a vital role in regenerating our high streets and local economies by creating jobs, providing key services and reinvesting back into their areas.”

All around the table agreed that while social enterprises often start with a desire to solve a problem, building a sustainable model quickly becomes the key to survival and development. As Grace and John shared their journeys, it became clear that adapting and building relationships has been key to their viability. 

The Minister emphasised the importance of moving away from one-size-fits-all national programs that don’t understand local needs. Instead, he saw in these enterprises examples of how locally-led initiatives can create meaningful employment and build skills from the inside out. 

Through programmes like Match Trading, which has provided over £11 million in grants to over 1,200 social enterprises since 2017, SSE has been helping organisations like these build sustainable business models. The results speak for themselves – from increased trading income to greater social impact, these enterprises are showing what’s possible when communities take the lead in their own economic development. 

As we wrapped up our visit, surrounded by the everyday bustle of a working launderette, the evidence was undeniable: social enterprises are key to revitalising our high streets and local economies. Through combining sustainable business models with deep social purpose, they deliver what communities need – jobs, services, and spaces where people can connect and thrive. We were proud to showcase these success stories to the Minister, also demonstrating how SSE’s support helps transform innovative ideas into thriving social businesses that strengthen local economies across the UK.