Make York a better place to
live, work and visit.
York - A history of social justice and innovation
York’s story is one of people and progress. From the railways that connected communities to the chocolate makers who cared as much about workers as their sweets, this city has long mixed compassion with creativity.
Driven by his Quaker values, Joseph Rowntree (1836–1925) dedicated his life to tackling the root causes of social inequality – poverty, poor housing, and lack of education. His legacy lives on through the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT), both continuing his mission to create a fairer society.
York has always been a hub of invention – from world-leading railway engineering and early electrification to the birthplace of Terry’s and Rowntree’s, two giants of confectionery that sweetened lives across the globe. The city’s spirit of enterprise and social good remains at its heart today.
Today - A tale of two cities?
York is one of the UK’s most loved destinations – welcoming over 9 million visitors a year to its historic streets, medieval walls, and iconic landmarks like York Minster and The Shambles.
But behind the postcard-perfect image lies a more complex story. While tourism, education, science and professional services now drive the economy, many of the city’s traditional industries have faded away. York’s two thriving universities bring energy and innovation, yet the benefits aren’t felt equally across every community.
Despite its overall affluence, hidden poverty persists – with some neighbourhoods ranking among the 10% most deprived in the country. Rising living costs, housing unaffordability, and congestion add to the strain. York remains a city of opportunity – but also one of contrast.
Our Social Enterprise Action Plan
At the York Social Enterprise Coalition (YSEC), our vision is simple – to make York a better place to live, work and visit. Our Social Enterprise Action Plan turns that vision into action, focusing on the areas where we can make the biggest difference.
1. Strengthening Social Enterprise in York
We’re helping social enterprises to grow, collaborate and amplify their impact – building a thriving ecosystem that supports people, places and the planet.
2. Promoting Community Wealth Building
York may appear affluent, but inequality remains a challenge. We’re working collectively to recalibrate the local economy, ensuring that prosperity is shared more widely and that local people benefit directly from local success.
3. Supporting Regenerative Tourism
Tourism is one of York’s greatest economic assets – and we’re helping it evolve. By promoting regenerative tourism, we aim to make York’s visitor economy a force for good, supporting local communities and tackling issues like homelessness across our networks.
Together, we’re proving that business can be meaningful, inclusive and sustainable – and that York can lead the way.
What social enterprises mean for York
York is on the cusp of a new kind of growth – one driven by purpose, not just profit. The city’s social enterprise sector is gaining serious traction, shaping how business, community and government work together for the common good.
Social enterprise now has a seat at the table in major regional conversations – from procurement working groups with York’s largest employers, to the Mayoral Combined Authority Business Board, and the City Council’s social value framework.
Across the region, there’s a growing belief in the power of social value – where local government, academia, and businesses of all sizes align around meaningful impact.
We believe York and North Yorkshire can become known as a region for social enterprise – a place where doing good and doing business go hand in hand, and where every new venture helps our communities thrive.