Leading voices from UK social enterprise, co-operatives and social investment have raised concerns over a “landmark” definition of the ‘impact economy’ that risks alienating a number of impactful organisations.
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.
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 This argument is outdated, says GSG Impact chair Nick Hurd.
INTERVIEW: Putting a price tag on a company’s social and environmental impact is the only way to demonstrate its true profit and loss, believes Sir Ronald Cohen, who is now focusing on driving forward the next accounting revolution.
“Everything starts with imagination,” the Nobel prize laureate says, calling on social entrepreneurs to follow the lead of science fiction creators – and advising budding intrapreneurs to be “outrageously bold” in their ideas.
PLUS: Pioneering revenue-based fund launches in Scotland; Back Market raises $335m in “bullish” circular economy market; AU$8m boost for Queensland social enterprises; Dutch trio backs “truly disruptive” AI firm Envision – and more.
Learning how to sell is a challenge most social entrepreneurs don’t anticipate. Read this exclusive extract from Dr Roy Whitten and Scott Roy's new book Sell Well, Do Good. PLUS: Get a free copy of the e-book.
In the latest in our Nicholls & Dimes column, social value expert Jeremy Nicholls explains why audit and assurance are the heroes we need on our quest if we are to understand what impact is and how to grow it.
France’s purpose-led companies movement continues to grow, with 176 enterprises à mission two years after the status was recognised in French law. Researchers note the movement is still in its “pioneer stage”.
Can you run a business as a form of climate activism? The Ecosia founder reckons so. Find out how the online search company safeguards its mission, encourages protest and – even in a ‘David vs Goliath’ market – influences its competitors.
A 99.98% shareholder vote in favour sees Voltalia become first-ever renewables producer – and only the third listed company – to become an entreprise à mission, following in footsteps of Danone.
PLUS: $100m MacArthur grant to end homelessness; Dutch VC fund backs digital-only fashion house; ImpactAssets custom investments surge; new pooled fund for southeast Asia; Resonance's launchpad loan for mums' mental health; and more.
