Our demand for more and more clothes is bad news for the planet. New, nature-derived materials promise a lighter footprint – but can they convince price-conscious shoppers, investors and retailers to take a leap into the unknown?
Sir Ronald Cohen, the impact investing pioneer, is pre-launching an artificial intelligence avatar which discusses his ideas and reflections. We put it to the test.
Social enterprise Carefree offers unpaid carers a break by tapping into the power of tech and vacant hotel rooms. It has proven its business model, yet cannot access the finance it needs to grow. What could investors do differently?
ANALYSIS: Dormant assets and €1bn of innovation funding are in the spotlight as Germany unveils long-awaited first strategy for social enterprise and innovation – but the clock is ticking to make progress before an expected change of government.
Important questions asked amid the enthusiasm of this week's Social Enterprise World Forum, where a new global social enterprise brand is launched. Plus, our columnist calls for closer scrutiny of impact event sponsors everywhere.
Concerns about virtue-signalling and purpose-washing are widespread – and sometimes justified – in the conference circuit. Big claims or good intentions are no longer enough: sponsors must do all they can to prove their commitment.
SEWF23: Verification scheme launched at this week's Social Enterprise World Forum aims to overcome cultural and language differences, to provide clear identity for businesses focused on positive purpose.
SEWF23: The impact economy is the future. Or is it? In a debate at this week's Social Enterprise World Forum in Amsterdam, progressive economy heavyweights Erinch Sahan and Katie Hill squared up to test the strengths of their theories.
Social enterprise is a significant force in the UK economy – but available data is still incomplete and even contradictory. Tim Thorlby pinpoints three questions to explore, and calls for robust, detailed data-gathering by the government.
Blended finance is no magic wand – and there's little reason to use it in most of Asia, one expert says. Plus, more positive sentiments from speakers at this week's gathering in Spain – but a plea for “more African representation” next time.
