A new survey from the Social Enterprise Coalition  has revealed that people are hungry for new approaches to running a business.

The survey, carried out YouGov on 2,149 people and released on Social Enterprise Day, shows that two thirds (63 per cent) wish to see more businesses follow in the footsteps of John Lewis by becoming employee-owned. This style gives staff a say in how day to day activities are run as well as a share in the business.

According to the survey half of adults in the UK (47 per cent) have lost trust in the traditional British economy.

And full-time students, more than any other group believe that more business people should use their skills to ease society’s woes, (82% compared to 70% of those who are retired).

Peter Holbrook, the chief executive for the Social Enterprise Coalition comments: “These findings show the public are ready for a new way to do business. People blame the old business models for the recession and have lost faith in them”

“It is wonderful that young adults are positive about the future despite the challenges that lie ahead, and their belief that businesses should tackle social problems signals hope for a better future”.

“The social enterprise business community must harness their enthusiasm because they’re the ones who can change the way that business is done for future generations”.

However, in relation to the government's Big Society agenda, the Social Enterprise Coalition points out that the specific role of enterprise business has not been clearly defined. They also advise a tight frame work for this community to be drawn up.  

To raise awareness of the social enterprise movement, several government ministers this week visited social enterprises in a variety of locations throughout the country.