OPINION: There’s a message blowing across the Atlantic that the business of investment is to maximise return, and considering people and planet is woke nonsense. This argument is outdated, says GSG Impact chair Nick Hurd.
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.
Winners across 15 categories were unveiled at a London ceremony last night, ranging from household names Change Please and The Skill Mill to promising newcomers like EcoCoach CIC.
Andy Bindon, Chief Officer, Change & Values at GLL, one of the UK's best-known and most successful social enterprises, introduces the organisation's new Social Enterprise Accelerator Programme.
The importance of community ownership, restoring community self esteem, how storytelling can help keep young people in rural areas – and more: the most interesting ideas and insights Pioneers Post heard at the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025.
Impact Europe today revealed the name of its new chief: Angela Wiebeck, praised for “building bridges” between mainstream finance and impact over her two decades at UBS and Aquila Capital. She speaks to Pioneers Post from Brussels.
Why small-scale AI could answer technology’s ethical conundrum, how ‘data sovereignty’ gives Indigenous people new control, finding meaning and joy in old age – and more: the big ideas we brought home from SEWF25.
Ukraine posts second highest number of climate-focused, blended finance transactions in the world in 2024 – and enters top 10 countries for first time – as blended finance identified as “form of crisis financing” – new Convergence research.
Small rural communities are discovering they can generate sustainable income without compromising their traditions and culture. Visitors from around the world discussed ideas at the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025.
The final report from the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group points to the lack of a coherent cross-department strategy and calls for “sustainable and visible leadership” in government and the adoption of a “mobilisation mindset”.
The Hague celebrates ten years as the self-described "Impact City", while Taipei buzzes with Social Enterprise World Forum energy. Plus, a further fall for VC investment in impact startups. The view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.
Investments in impact startups decline for a fourth year in a row despite a healthy growth in the broader VC market, as investors shift their focus to defence and AI – and leave some impact areas sorely underfunded.
As more than 1,000 global delegates gather in Taipei for SEWF25, the island’s social enterprise movement says it’s ready to stand on the world stage, and Ikea Social Entrepreneurship chooses Taiwan as site for its latest accelerator programme.
This week: UK pensions bill amendment aims to clarify fiduciary duty to unlock funding, four social outcomes funds launch in Africa, how ships could soon be powered by algae – and more.
