Ethical businesses are being left to struggle and die, while we pour billions into ESG initiatives that often ignore the voices of producers and workers, says the Transform Trade CEO. For Fairtrade's radical vision to flourish, tougher regulation is vital.
Economic theory depends on accounting – yet it ignores the role of accounting in distributing value. Why does that matter? Because it limits the potential contribution of economics in resolving today's social and environmental crises.
While impact emphasises the facts, honesty speaks more about attitude, says Stone Soup Consulting's Sophie Robin – and while an ‘honesty report’ doesn't answer all the questions, it pushes the company to reflect and seek continual improvement.
Impact assets still fall far short of today's pressing social needs. We need a major mindset shift in impact investing – and we need to trust our unstoppable social entrepreneurs to do what they do best.
As decision time looms on where to allocate £700m of dormant assets, the MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central makes the case for social entrepreneurs – who "dare to think differently" and make a huge impact, especially in underserved areas of the UK.
As shops shut for good and historic buildings lie vacant – while local authorities remain strapped for cash – a new breed of ‘social enterprise developers’ is helping to repair, restore and convert properties into sustainable new uses.
Tech companies are making mass layoffs – while social impact and sustainability organisations need top talent. One way to plug the gaps: redirect unemployed talent to a purpose-led jobs marketplace that also supports economies in the global South.
Investing in an emerging manager means taking a bet on someone with less obvious track record. But there may be good reasons to invest – not least because a first- or second-time fund manager is likely also from an underrepresented background.
Social value – the value an organisation contributes to society beyond its reported profit – has permanently shifted how we do business. With global climate, energy and cost of living crises, how will the movement evolve this year?