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Women are better represented in social enterprises than in other small businesses or in the boardrooms of FTSE 100 companies.

According to research by the Social Enterprise Coalition, 26% of social enterprises are ‘women-led’, compared with 14% of other SMEs, whilst only 11% of FTSE 100 board members are female.

The survey also uncovered that 56% of social enterprises are increasing turnover during the recession, with only 20% experiencing a loss of revenue, compared with 43% of other small businesses.

Confidence amongst social enterprises was also twice as high as that of SMEs, of which only 24% felt positive about future growth.

"I believe this shows that business models that are built to be sustainable and accountable to a wide variety of stakeholders are often better able to withstand economic uncertainty. Additionally, it is evidence of a shift towards more people engaging with businesses whose bottom line includes social and environmental benefit,” stated Jonathan Bland, CEO of the Social Enterprise Coalition.

"There is every reason to consider social enterprise an emergent business sector that is ambitious, growing and dedicated to providing meaningful employment."

The number of women taking leading roles in social enterprises and their healthy performance and confidence during difficult economic times (particularly in contrast to that of other small businesses) may not be cause and effect, but certainly shows a welcome correlation supporting the theory that a larger role for women at the helm of the business world could bring wider benefits to the community as a whole.