Maggie O'Carroll was once told to get herself “a little job”. Instead, she set up The Women's Organisation – sparking over 4,000 new businesses. She speaks to us about Brexit, social investment headaches – and going beyond “vanity” metrics.
INTERVIEW: One year after the EU’s Social Economy Action Plan was unveiled, a key architect of the plan tells us why consensus came quickly, why there may be a silver lining in today’s crises – and why his biggest fear is ‘blurred lines’ and social-washing.
Catalyst 2030 network mobilises some 1,000 organisations worldwide to sign open letter calling for end to short-term funding focused on symptoms, as network’s Systemic Change Awards go to SAP, European Commission and more.
Ukrainian Social Academy board member says war has “hurt” – but not destroyed – the nation’s long history of business with a social mission. Now, it needs support to help create jobs for displaced Ukrainians.
A European status would enable social enterprises to gain recognition across member states and take advantage of single market, according to Nicolas Schmit – while fellow EU official Thierry Breton says social economy crucial to future of bloc.
Is the European Commission now “in love with” the social economy? Detailed package of measures to promote social enterprises, cooperatives, charities and more is hailed as “huge development for our sector”.
Changemakers must overcome their aversion to lobbying to influence politicians, especially the new breed of “political entrepreneurs”, attendees of Ashoka Changemaker Summit heard this week.
Intangible assets have become a major consideration for investors, making up 90% of all enterprise value on the S&P 500. Yet our accounting system has failed to adapt, with real implications for sustainability. Our columnist suggests a simple fix.
A move to require all EU companies to consider stakeholder interests would fit within the broader European sustainability agenda, but it faces resistance as “traditional industries” lobby the European Commission.
