'Makerspaces' in Liverpool that bring creativity to communities and provide hubs for budding artisans and entrepreneurs to flourish have become the first beneficiary of a brand new social investment fund ringfenced for the Liverpool City Region.
During the recent UK general election campaign, social economy leaders have stressed how, and why, any new government should partner with the impact sector to deliver on their pledges. Now that Labour is at the helm, what can we expect from them?
Access, the Foundation for Social Investment, set up to channel funds to under-served communities in England, announces it will not close in 2026, while CEO emphasises that it didn't want to develop an 'organisational ego'.
Pre-investment support is critical to make a deal successful. But what should it look like, and who pays for it? Sumerian Foundation's Chris West shares lessons from his 20 years of supporting social enterprises – plus one lesson from a 1980s pop phenomenon...
As Big Society Capital marks its 10-year anniversary, CEO Stephen Muers reveals key changes ahead – including addressing past failings on diversity and changing a target return rate that is now “out of step” with the organisation's mission.
The UK government this week confirms new dormant assets funding as outlined in its Levelling Up plans, as Access stresses importance of blended finance approach to reach poorest communities.
Support to social investment in the UK began in earnest just over 20 years ago. As efforts to expand the market continue unabated, what can we learn from two decades of experience – and what questions should we be asking now?
Independent review finds the social investor, which provides a mix of grants and loans to small charities and social enterprises in the UK, has had a major impact – but both its large legacy and its small team are under pressure.
Government sees clear role for impact investing in driving ‘levelling up’ agenda in face of massive social and economic inequality – and financiers are getting on board with the new concept of equality impact investing.
