York event aims to help businesses unlock millions in social value opportunities

Businesses across the UK could be missing out on millions of pounds in contract opportunities if they fail to demonstrate clear social value.

With public procurement worth more than £300 billion a year and central government contracts now requiring a minimum 10% in social value weighting, organisations that cannot give evidence of their social contribution risk losing out to competitors. Consumers too are looking for what businesses are contributing to society and how they are protecting the environment.

Across Yorkshire and the Humber, there are more than 14,000 social enterprises contributing an estimated £1.4 billion to the regional economy. It’s a clear indication of the growing social value activity across the region and the opportunities for organisations able to evidence their impact.

Social value and the commercial opportunities it creates is the focus of a free event taking place on Monday 9 March 2026 at The Guildhall, York.

Organised by the Meaningful Business Network, a partnership between Enterprise Works and the School for Business and Society at the University of York, the event will bring together business leaders, social enterprises, researchers and public sector partners from across York and North Yorkshire.

Katie Wytwyckyj, Programme Manager for the Meaningful Business Network, said many organisations underestimate the scale of the opportunity.

“Social value is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a competitive advantage. Businesses that can clearly articulate their social value are winning work, forming stronger partnerships and positioning themselves for long term growth. This event is about helping organisations unlock those opportunities in a practical, achievable way.”

Meanwhile, Dr Alex Alterskye, specialist in entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of York, said the shift in expectations is reshaping how success is measured.

“Understanding social value isn’t just ethically important, it’s becoming a strategic necessity.”

The event includes expert insight from Dr Madeline Powell, a leading researcher in co production and social value, who will explore how organisations can work collaboratively to create and sustain value across sectors and communities. There will also be contributions from Sam Leach, co founder of Spark and Chair of the Community Wealth Building Committee, and Dr Adrian Madden, specialist in Meaningful Business research.

Organisers say there are only a few tickets left, so anyone who hasn’t already booked should do so quickly. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.