Social investment counts for just 1.4% of all UK business lending. So how can we get mainstream banks to play a much bigger role in the social economy? By changing the incentives – and therefore the culture – of banking, says the Big Issue Invest CEO.
Listening to feedback and making tangible changes in response isn't easy, says UnLtd's David Bartram – but Big Society Capital's recent proposals will not drive the transformation needed to support purpose-led ventures.
PLUS: Willicroft targets new markets with €2m raise; UK’s CDFI lending jumps by a third in one year; appetite for impact investing rises; Lendahand crowdfunding platform shifts gear; and much more.
As Big Society Capital marks its 10-year anniversary, CEO Stephen Muers reveals key changes ahead – including addressing past failings on diversity and changing a target return rate that is now “out of step” with the organisation's mission.
Growth Impact Fund developed by UnLtd, Shift and Big Issue Invest described as “fundamentally different” – aiming to back long-overlooked entrepreneurs and provide model for more inclusive social investment.
As a woman of colour in social investment, Mathu Jeyaloganathan regularly finds her credibility questioned. As she fights to build a new fund for diverse communities, she urges white allies to help end the sector's institutional racism.
Group urges social investors to step up inclusion and equity efforts with new pledges, following damning findings last week from the influential Adebowale Commission.
How do you put environmental goals at the heart of your business while still delivering your social mission? Leaders of UK organisations Change Please, Big Issue Invest and the Edinburgh Remakery share their tips.
England social enterprises can get grants of up to £100,000 to help them “get back on their feet”, under Lottery-funded scheme first set up in 2020, and once again delivered by Big Issue Invest, Key Fund, Resonance, SSE and UnLtd.
