Second edition of European Social Enterprise Monitor flags that partnerships for social procurement between social enterprises and conventional corporations present “large opportunity for the transformation of the sector”.
AstraZeneca and Siemens among corporations that bought a quarter of a billion pounds-worth of goods and services from social enterprises as part of the £1bn Buy Social Corporate Challenge launched in 2016.
Social supply chains are big business in pandemic year as Buy Social Corporate Challenge signs up 27 large firms. But reaching £1bn target will need many more contract-ready social enterprises.
Social Enterprise Action plan includes £5m for education and business support projects, a £30m loan fund – and plans to fund just one “clear voice” representing the sector.
Charities, community business and social enterprises invited to join the Public Relations and Communications Association’s new social impact-focused supplier directory.
Bite-sized stories this week: Businesses pledge big at climate talks, UK construction firm Wates hits £20m social spending target, a new law in Cyprus, grants windfall for Irish projects and a market first in recycled materials for water company Belu.
INNOVATION FOCUS: Even with growing momentum behind using procurement for good, securing public sector contracts is elusive for most social enterprises. Can a startup help?
Bite-sized stories this week include record interest in B Corp certification, a big commitment to buy social, latest research on giving to charity, and new hires at Social Investment Scotland.
Representatives from 20 European countries have sent a wishlist to the newly-elected European Parliament, calling for a doubled budget, a new visibility campaign and tighter procurement rules.
