News and Views

  • ‘Yet again the UK social sector has been locked out of finance that could transform our work’

    OPINION: The £28bn National Wealth Fund’s new strategy firmly closed the door on social enterprises and charities, says Social Investment Business’s Jack Wakefield. The social economy should have equal access to public finance.

  • ‘Impact economy’ contributes 15% to UK GDP – new estimate

    New Philanthropy Capital claims it's made the first estimate of the scale of the UK’s impact economy, bringing together impact-led businesses, charities, political parties and others, while omitting co-operatives and employee-led businesses.

  • England’s blended finance wholesaler receives glowing review, but social investment ecosystem remains fragile

    Quadrennial review praises Access for its success in providing wider access to social investment but highlights challenges as mobilising new sources of funding beyond dormant assets proves increasingly urgent.

  • Davos 2026: Beyond Greenland, tariffs and Trump – the impact-focused discussions

    Prosperity within planetary boundaries, nature-based solutions, the blue economy and development finance were also on the agenda at this year’s World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Here's all you need to know from Davos 2026.

Amsterdam social enterprise tour at SEWF 2023

The Editor’s Post: Remembering David LePage

Our editor reflects on meeting David LePage, a true champion of social enterprise, who died in May. Plus we consider the global significance of the EU elections. This week’s view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.

 

The Impact World this Week: 6 June 2024

The most interesting news snippets from around the world. This week: why deeper investment is needed in our oceans, microcredit funds target growth of ‘socio-bioeconomy’ in Brazil, and a social enterprise radio station launches in Wales. 

The Impact World this Week: 31 May 2024

The most interesting news snippets from around the world. This week: A new fund sets out to help Asia’s underserved communities in the AI job race and
diverse social entrepreneurs face major barriers to access funding in Scotland.

 Nicolas Schmit looking at his watch

The Editor's Post: Waiting for EU

It's the EU Parliament's turn in the 2024 elections series. With the far-right on the rise, supporters of the impact economy will be waiting for the result with anguish. This week's view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.