This month, we look across the water to take a lead from an ambitious, but nonetheless hopefully worthwhile initiative of the Social Enterprise Mark Company.

UCIT recently became one of the first Social Enterprises on the island to achieve "The Mark", which it is hoped will enhance the marketability of the sector into the future, as well as ensuring a standard of quality that can be maintained.

The Social Enterprise Mark Company is a social enterprise which aspires to be a Mark holder itself. It is a Community Interest Company (CIC) Limited by shares. It is a joint venture between the Social Enterprise Coalition and RISE. A steering group made up of social enterprise leaders and supporters agreed that a Mark was important for the sector and together agreed its design, purpose and criteria. It was informed by the Social Enterprise Mark already piloted by RISE in the South West of England.

Readers should visit www.socialenterprisemark.org.uk to learn more about the rationale behind this move and its ultimate potential. Check out the news and blog section for regular updates.