Edinburgh Leisure, the independent charitable trust which operates sport and leisure facilities on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council, has been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, which identifies them as trading for social and environmental purposes.

The award makes Edinburgh Leisure only the second Leisure Trust in Scotland to achieve this status and recognises the work that the organisation does to benefit the general public.

Edinburgh Leisure joins other ethical businesses that have been recognised by being awarded the Mark such as the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Social enterprises are working to make a difference across the UK and beyond. The Social Enterprise Mark aims to raise awareness of what social enterprises do in order to get more people to buy from, engage with, start up and work for social enterprises. Government data estimates that there are 62,000 social enterprises across the UK, contributing £24 billion to the economy and employing around 800,000 people.

Recent research found that social enterprises are twice as confident of growth compared to typical small to medium enterprises (SMEs), with 48 per cent of social enterprises saying they are positive about the future as opposed to just 24 per cent of SMEs (The Social Enterprise Coalition's State of Social Enterprise Survey 2009).

Edinburgh Leisure, set up to govern and manage the CEC owned sports facilities and services, has for the past 12 years been totally committed to the long-term benefit of the public and the community. Recent society aimed projects include partnerships with NHS Lothian to help tackle issues such as obesity and depression, and remind the people of Edinburgh of the health benefits of being active. This award is recognition of how genuinely socially motivated Edinburgh Leisure is and their dedication to facilitating access for all to a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Edinburgh Leisure's Director for Business Development June Peebles said: "We're really proud to have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. Edinburgh Leisure is absolutely committed to helping local communities to change their lives through sports and leading a more active lifestyle.

"The high profile Social Enterprise Mark will benefit to our customers and community in many ways. Edinburgh Leisure and our partners will be able to continue to work together with increased vigour and confidence."

Lucy Findlay from the Social Enterprise Mark Company advised: "Edinburgh is clearly becoming a hotspot for Social Enterprise Mark holders and we're delighted to have Edinburgh Leisure on board. We have had national interest from many Leisure Trusts and know that others will want to follow Edinburgh Leisure's example, as the Mark provides an important identifier for their excellent achievements."

Photograph: Glenogle Swim Centre