There is a growing interest in social investment across a broad spectrum of potential institutional investors, from pension fund managers, banks, and private equity firms to independent financial advisers and charitable foundations.

"However, while modern investors often want to achieve tangible social benefits as well as financial returns, the products on offer within the marketplace are not fully matching investor demands. Until this gap has been bridged, the social investment market will not be able to grow sufficiently to provide the requisite support for social enterprises across the UK."