Rosehill among UK's top 100 social enterprises

Rosehill Arts Trust has been named one of the UK's top social enterprises in the 2020 NatWest SE100 Index, the annual list of the UK's leading 100 social enterprises compiled by Pioneers Post in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital.

The top 100 list was released today (14 May) after a rigorous process to assess the best performers of the year.

For the first time, a list of the top 25 'trailblazing newcomers' was also produced – defined as start-up enterprises with fewer than three full years of trading. And next week the best of the best will be announced in the annual NatWest SE100 Awards.

Applicants to the NatWest SE100 were asked to complete a comprehensive survey exploring key aspects of their business performance, from turnover, growth, profit and how effectively they manage their impact, to leadership, resilience and storytelling.

It is the second successive year that Rosehill has been listed among the top 100 social enterprise groups in the UK.

Director Richard Elder said: "We're delighted to again be included in the NatWest SE100 Index, a position which emphasises our evolving purpose of lifting spirits and changing lives together. In 60 years of Rosehill, social impact and meeting a need has perhaps never felt more important than now.

"These are challenging times for us, as they are for many, and we have had to cut costs substantially in order to survive, with much of the team being furloughed while we look to fundraising and other ways to keep us buoyant. But with challenges come opportunities to respond and adapt, and we are working with key partners on projects that are relevant to helping meet the needs of people in West Cumbria.

"We are exploring different ways of programming, such as smaller performances, more events in the community and using digital platforms to broadcast performing arts and entertainment to a wider audience. We're also looking at a 'Green Room to go' service offering quality food to take away.

"Our team are committed to new ways of working and to making sure we remain relevant to the community. We look forward to opening our doors again and welcoming staff, customers and partners back to Rosehill as soon as circumstances allow."

Read more about the 2020 NatWest SE100 Index and see the full list here