News and Views

The UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined a budget last week that sought to bring stability to the country’s finances. Yet the looming recession is plummeting social enterprises and the communities they serve into crisis.

Blended finance in the public eye, the largest survey of Europe's social enterprises, and taking on gender inequality in Asia: the editors' view from this week's Pioneers Post newsletter.

Following record investments in 2021, deals are lower this year, Dealroom’s Impact Database reveals this week. Yet impact startups remain collectively valued at more than US$2tn and “impact unicorns” have reached 200.

Faith-based asset owners of all kinds urged to put their “money where their mouths are” as first-of-its-kind Multi-Faith Just Transition Fund launches to support transition to a low-carbon economy.

Second edition of European Social Enterprise Monitor flags that partnerships for social procurement between social enterprises and conventional corporations present “large opportunity for the transformation of the sector”.

Amid warnings that progress towards gender equality risks backsliding, and as the G20 leaders meet in Bali, Asia's social investors are taking urgent action to push forward women’s economic empowerment.

UK is now home to one-sixth of the world's 6,000 certified B Corps – with 500 of them in London, more than in any other city worldwide.
 

The UK's development finance institution “exponentially increases” climate-related investments and commits to finance climate adaptation as well as mitigation.

Company directors’ reliance on international accounting standards means sustainability issues are currently reported separately, if at all. But there are steps they can take to better meet their legal responsibilities, says our columnist.