Some claim Big Society Capital’s current form – and its implications on the cost of finance – is actually holding back social investment. But, while lending all its money cheaply may be tempting, it would be a serious mistake, writes CEO Cliff Prior.
In spite of all the hype around social investment, only a tiny proportion of the UK’s social enterprises and charities have made use of it. If things are going to change, Big Society Capital must rethink its role, says Eastside Primetimers' CEO.
Has the UK lost its leadership position on impact investing? Does it actually matter? If the new Impact Investing Institute is to retake the lead for the UK, it will first need to establish the direction it wants to lead in, points out our columnist.
Social entrepreneurs may acknowledge there’s a crisis unfolding, but that doesn’t mean there’s a clear path ahead for how they should respond. Are they falling short – or does the responsibility lie elsewhere?
Plus: Bridges raises £35m for second social outcomes fund, Palladium's first impact fund targets $40m for African small businesses, Scotland's first community-owned school building and impactful chocolate in Indonesia...
Social investors are still too focused on internal battles – distracting them from the huge potential impact they could have by partnering up. Big Society Capital's CEO makes the case for the (sometimes) more difficult path of collaboration.
Government review of Social Investment Tax Relief attracts long list of recommendations, including calls to make it accessible to a much wider range of businesses.
PLUS: Acumen spinout 60 Decibels raises $1.7m, G20 leaders back more innovative financing to fund SDGs, Encourage Capital raises US$40m to bring clean energy financing solutions to Indian entrepreneurs, and more.
