First-ever SE100 list of pioneering impact leaders in UK announced

Today we unveil the first ever Pioneers100 – a list of 100 of the most pioneering impact leaders in the UK.

While our NatWest SE100 Index recognises the UK’s top 100 social ventures, this new list highlights the leaders who are driving them.

It recognises 100 of the most inspiring leaders in social enterprise, impact investing and mission-driven business who have been nominated for the work they have done to make positive change happen over the past year.

 The Pioneers100 stands apart as an important moment to recognise and celebrate a broader group of leaders whose commitment, values and impact are shaping the future of the social enterprise sector.
Andrew Harrison, NatWest S&CC

Andrew Harrison (pictured, above right), chair of trustees at NatWest Social & Community Capital, said: “The first-ever SE100 Pioneers100 Impact Leaders list shines a well‑deserved light on the people behind social enterprises who are driving change in their communities and places across the UK. At NatWest, we believe inclusive, purpose‑led leadership is fundamental to building a more sustainable and resilient economy, one that delivers long‑term value for people and places.

“While NatWest senior leaders were proud to play a role in judging the leadership categories within this year’s SE100 Awards, the Pioneers100 stands apart as an important moment to recognise and celebrate a broader group of leaders whose commitment, values and impact are shaping the future of the social enterprise sector.”

Tim West, founding editor of Pioneers Post (pictured below), explained: “This is not a list of the great and the good – though greatness and goodness are certainly a quality that shines through. Nor is it a ranking of the UK’s most celebrated or best-known social entrepreneurs – though each of the leaders named is celebrated among their teams and communities.

“The Pioneers100 is a list of 100 founders and CEOs who have made a decision to change something – to solve an issue, to right an injustice, to address the climate crisis, to give support or care or training to a specific group who might be left behind or disadvantaged by society.

This is not a list of the great and the good... The Pioneers100 is a list of 100 founders and CEOs who have made a decision to change something – to solve an issue, to right an injustice, to address the climate crisis, to give support to a specific group who might be left behind.

“And during the past year, they’ve rolled up their sleeves and done their best to deliver on that commitment, innovating solutions, making hard decisions, inspiring teams and keeping the wheels on the road so that customers will buy from them and investors will back them.

“Whether they are founders bringing new ideas to life, or established CEOs steering multi-million pound organisations, this list celebrates the people who are providing the vision, living the values, helping their organisations to ride the waves of fate and fortune and making impact happen, whatever the weather.”

The first-ever Pioneers100 is listed below. 

PIONEERS100 LIST

The NatWest SE100 Impact Pioneer Awards, including the SE100 Index and Pioneers100 List, are part of an annual programme created and delivered by Pioneers Post in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital - and supported by Buzzacott, E3M, Hogan Lovells and Good Finance. The programme aims to list, celebrate and learn from the UK’s 100 most impressive social enterprises, and the top 100 pioneering leaders, every year.

You can read more about the NatWest SE100 – including previous winners and top 100 lists – in our SE100 Collection.