Top 100 index of social businesses launched at Voice09

A powerful new online index that charts the growth and impact of social businesses was launched at Voice 09.

The RBS SE100* Index, run by Society Media in partnership with RBS Community Banking, has been created to enable social businesses to see how their growth and measurement of social impact compares to others', track emerging markets, and gain knowledge of the sector they work in and their position within it.

Every month the Index will focus on a new sector or marketplace including: health, education, employment and training and finance. The five organisations with the highest annual turnover growth will be published on a dedicated website, alongside expert advice about measuring social impact and information about the winner.

Any organisation that delivers social, economic or environmental change can sign up for the index and nominations are also welcome.

In March 2010 the top 100 highest growth organisations will be announced with awards totaling £50,000 given for three separate categories, including; the highest growth, the most effective measurement of social return and best new contribution in terms of either social impact or growth.

Kevin Brennan, MP, Minister for the Third Sector, said: "Social enterprises make a really significant contribution to society, both in terms of the positive impact they have on deprived communities, and in terms of their contribution to the wider economy. The RBS SE100 Index will help to create a better understanding about the vital role these organisations play."

Duncan Sloan, Head of Community Banking at RBS, said: "RBS has been committed to the social enterprise market in the UK for over a decade, and we are thrilled to be driving this pioneering initiative. The Index, which is the first of its kind, will prove to be a really valuable benchmark for the entire social enterprise sector, and signing up or nominating an organisation couldn't be simpler.  We therefore urge all social businesses to get on board as soon as possible."

People interested in signing up their organisation or nominating an organisation can visit www.se100.co.uk.