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.
Campaigners say EU is “moving in reverse” after radical proposal to further limit the reach of flagship corporate sustainability regulations passes key vote in Parliament thanks to support from far-right parties vowing to “stop the Green Deal”.
As the Dutch city of the Hague celebrates 10 years as a self-appointed ‘impact city’ – supporting startups working to make a positive difference – Coos Santing tells us what’s working, what’s not, and why rivalry with other urban centres is softening.
Government says new ‘central point of contact’ for impact economy recognises the ‘untapped potential’ of the country’s social impact sector, while the movement welcomes ‘joined up’ support.
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.
Ethical businesses are being left to struggle and die, while we pour billions into ESG initiatives that often ignore the voices of producers and workers, says the Transform Trade CEO. For Fairtrade's radical vision to flourish, tougher regulation is vital.
On the new generation of lawyers forming a tight-knit tribe – and embracing experimentation, not obstruction; UK budget essentials; and news from UnLtd – this week's view from the editors at Pioneers Post.
A windfall for some, a blow for others – three key announcements from this week’s budget that will affect social enterprises and charities and those investing in them.
Danone, Aqua for All and BNP Paribas are among investors who have committed €36m to Water Access Acceleration Fund, to provide funds to entrepreneurs providing safe drinking water to 30m people in Asia and Africa.
On 7 March, we gathered to share pioneering stories and announce this year's NatWest WISE100 winners. To all those that joined us and to everyone who took the time to apply – thank you for making this year's event a very special one.
Access, the Foundation for Social Investment, set up to channel funds to under-served communities in England, announces it will not close in 2026, while CEO emphasises that it didn't want to develop an 'organisational ego'.
While impact emphasises the facts, honesty speaks more about attitude, says Stone Soup Consulting's Sophie Robin – and while an ‘honesty report’ doesn't answer all the questions, it pushes the company to reflect and seek continual improvement.
