A new index supported by the wealth manager will bolster the profile of leading social enterprise companies across the regions.

The UK’s most purpose-driven entrepreneurs are being given a new platform with the launch of the Social Entrepreneur Index. Sponsored by UBS Global Wealth Management, part of UBS, the index will focus on 29 individuals chosen in the inaugural year, and benefit from campaigns and events that will “recognise and support” the work being done in the social enterprise space, those behind the intitiative said.

The index, which is open to any entrepreneur tackling a social or environmental issue in any field, locally or internationally, has drawn support from sector heavyweights, including Kate Welch, head of the Acumen Fund, and CEO of Rising Academies, Paul Skidmore, who both helped select the first year's incumbents.

“With so many inspiring stories to choose from, selecting the social entrepreneurs to join this year's index was really hard. In the end what set the winning entries apart was not just the clarity of their diagnosis, nor the novelty of their solution, but their proven track record in making things happen even in the face of adversity,” Skidmore said.

The Fund and Social Enterprise Mark CIC, the accrediting body that sets standards for social impact businesses, and media solutions firm BE Group are also behind the launch.

UBS, as main sponsor, has seen significant wealth being created in the regions, and said the focus will be on the UK as a whole, not just London.

"Many of our clients are entrepreneurs, and we’re seeing more and more often that they are seeking to act in a responsible way, whether that is through investing sustainably or ensuring their businesses have a positive social impact," Jonathan Brown, head of regions at UBS Wealth Management, said.