AstraZeneca and Siemens among corporations that bought a quarter of a million 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.
Fifteen UK companies have now committed to choosing social enterprise suppliers for at least a small portion of their spending. What’s been the impact so far – and what’s next?
