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.
Government this week reveals detail of its energy support scheme for businesses and charities, but uncertainty remains as to what will happen in six months’ time as cost of living crisis continues to bite.
The prime minister’s plan to protect against surging energy prices only provides support for businesses for the next six months, and lack of clarity over immediate measures leaves social enterprises at risk of closure, fear membership bodies.
Social enterprises “significantly more resilient” on some measures than commercial businesses – with staff more likely to be retained and hired – but threats of unsustainable margins and reduced cashflow loom.
New figures from UK's CIC Regulator also show overall number of community interest companies grew at record slow pace in 2021-2022 financial year, following unusual spike during Covid-19 lockdowns.
Around £738m is up for grabs in England as government reviews Dormant Assets Scheme's current priorities of social investment, financial inclusion and youth.
Dramatic week in Westminster prompts concerns that government’s “big thinking” on levelling up may be stalled, while more immediate progress on procurement and other policies faces uncertain months ahead.
It's time to stop the vague guesses, overblown claims and sugar-coated case studies when we talk about social enterprise. This week's landmark global report gives us a great starting point. Plus, this week's top stories.
