Falling profitability, financial barriers and concerns over the wider economy are among multiple indicators that paint a “worrying” picture for the sector, reveals Social Enterprise UK’s State of Social Enterprise 2025 study published today.
New research from the UK’s social investment wholesaler shows a 12% year-on-year increase largely driven by a jump in investment in social and affordable housing, while the picture is more mixed in other segments of the market.
‘Major milestone’ for impact investing as revision of Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation acknowledges it for the first time as a distinct practice, but text risks being cut as it journeys through EU legislative negotiations.
After nearly three years of war, Ukrainians are continuing to adapt to their ‘new normal life’. Good business is a vital part of the conflict response, says the head of the country’s social enterprise support body.
We need to halt economic growth to save the planet, but sustain growth to meet society's needs. Impact investing can help overcome this paradox, says the co-founder of Astanor Ventures, by focusing on three key principles.
Cross-sector collaboration – and government money – are needed as funding gap left by mainstream investors prevents the social economy from reaching its full potential, shows first in-depth study of catalytic capital in UK.
Women-led businesses – particularly those in the global south – are still struggling to recover after the pandemic. And they have a key role to play in boosting their local economies.
Reporting from Madrid, where Fi Forum attendees discuss the feelgood factor of impact investing; fighting inertia when it comes to understanding investors' true impact; and breaking glass ceilings – this week from the Pioneers Post newsroom.
Expanding healthcare through AI in Africa, publishing city-guides for impact entrepreneurs or boosting inclusion in the startup scene – we bring you some stimulating social business ideas from the Impact Shakers Summit in Brussels.
INTERVIEW: Investment firms can affect people and the planet in many ways – and not just through the businesses they back. The leaders of a new project seeking consensus on ‘investor contribution’ tell us why their work is breaking new ground.
Women workers outnumber men in social economy organisations; leadership and pay gaps are also lower than in the wider economy. But a “considerable glass ceiling” persists. The OECD argues this needs to change.
The Mumbai slum romanticised in the film Slumdog Millionaire is to be redeveloped – but current plans ignore its function as a hub of enterprise and creativity. Sustainability-linked finance could unlock an alternative future.
Access to funding for diverse entrepreneurs is not a "pipeline problem", we hear at this week's Impact Shakers Summit in Brussels. Plus: new backers for Suzanne Biegel's legacy fund and why a UN resolution on the social economy matters.
