Peter MerrifieldCEO of SWIM, offering support for black and ethnic minority communities in London
“This isn’t just about funding – it’s about creating space for leadership, innovation and dignity.”
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Nancy DoyleFounder of Genius Within
“People who have been marginalised don’t want handouts, they want dignity. In setting up a successful system, going on to seed the next generation with investment is inspirational.”
Beth Kume-HollandCEO of Patchwork Hub
“Social enterprise has been a vital vehicle for turning my frustrations and experiences of living and working with a disability into something that can improve the situation for others.”
Sandeep SachdevaCo-founder of Safe in India Foundation
“My hope is simple: that social enterprise and social investment stop being seen as the alternative and become the mainstream way of doing business.”
Richard ParkerMayor of the West Midlands
“Big Issue Invest have demonstrated what’s possible when you put trust and capital into the hands of people who truly understand their communities. This is the type of change I want.”
Sasha AfanasievaManaging director of BI Impact Services
“I’d love to see more corporations shift their focus to prioritising positive social change and building ‘win-win’ business models where profit goes hand in hand with creating value for society.”
Anita PanchmatiaPension trustee director at Bank of America and BII non-executive director
“On this 20th anniversary, I celebrate BII’s role in embedding trust, inclusion, and ambition into the DNA of social investment in the UK.”
Aileen MathiesonChief investment officer, Aspen
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“Social impact investing not only makes a positive difference to underserved communities, but it tackles social problems that can lead to a lasting change for future generations.”
Howard DawberDeputy mayor of Business in London
“Not a lot of people know John Lewis is a mutual, or that Dover Harbour board is a trust. These are successful businesses structured in a different way. I think there’s a huge role for the sector.”
Lars HagelmannChief operating officer of BII
“Whether it’s a founder from a marginalised background or a social enterprise tackling entrenched inequality, BII has consistently stepped in where it matters most.”
James ByrnePartner at Sustainable Ventures
“The trust BII placed in us and our potential will never be forgotten by our team. Without BII Sustainable Workspace wouldn’t have become Europe’s largest hub for sustainable organisations.”
Holger WestphelyManaging director of BII
“I have been impressed by the quality and passion of my sector colleagues working with a fraction of the resources of the commercial sector to achieve great things. BII has pushed the boundaries.”
John BirdFounder of Big Issue and founding member of Big Issue Invest
“Big Issue Invest provides financial support to social businesses that endeavour to bring about social justice through thoughtfulness.”
Julie BassCEO of Turning Point, and one of Big Issue Invest’s first ever investees
“My hope is that social investment continues to back bold ideas and brave organisations. If we get this right, the next 20 years could be transformative.”
Peter HolbrookCEO of Social Enterprise UK
“There’s lots of guff and greenwashing within investment, but BII remains authentic, brave, pioneering and a very important foundation stone and beacon of light within our ecosystem.”
Kieron BoyleChair of the Impact Investing Institute
“Early in my career, I worked with BII to create the first institutions that proved social investment could work at scale. That convinced me enterprise could tackle society’s toughest challenges.”
Sara RedfordSenior investment adviser at Big Issue Invest
“I’ve had the privilege of working with a remarkable range of social enterprises – each one demonstrating how enterprise, when driven by mission, is a force for good.”
If you are an investor looking to create social impact, or a social enterprise in need of funding, get in touch with Big Issue Invest
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