Kindred Supports Social Enterprises in Securing £14 Million Funding

Socially trading organisations (STOs) in the Liverpool City Region have attracted £14 million in investment with the support of the Kindred programme. STOs are businesses that focus on social benefits while trading commercially, including social enterprises and cooperatives.

Kindred, backed by £6.5 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Power to Change, has invested £2 million into 44 STOs over two years, helping create 126 jobs. This support has led to an additional £14 million in funding and boosted STOs' turnover by £4.3 million. Nearly half of the supported STOs are led by women, and 25% are members of the Black Social Traders Network.

Kindred director Jennifer Van der Merwe emphasised the positive economic change driven by STOs, while Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram highlighted their role in fostering local jobs and social impact.