Big Issue Group has announced the “next stage of our journey for vendors” with the creation of the Big Issue Changing Lives community interest company (CIC), merging its frontline services supporting sellers of the magazine with Big Issue Foundation, the group’s former charitable arm.
With a 10% increase in the number of people selling the magazine in 2022, Big Issue Group has been forced to “think hard about the optimal way to support vendors”, said the chair of Big Issue Foundation.
The creation of the CIC involves merging the frontline sales operation, part of the Big Issue media business which supports the vendors selling the magazine, and Big Issue Foundation, Big Issue’s charity which provides frontline services on wellbeing, debt, mental health and employment support.
Lord Bird, founder of The Big Issue, said: “We are indebted to Big Issue Foundation, its trustees, CEOs and staff, past and present, for the fantastic commitment they have given to all of the vendors it has worked with and supported over the last 28 years.
“It has provided us with an amazing platform with which to begin the next stage of our journey for vendors and others. This new structure brings together the incredibly talented and dedicated teams that both support and fundraise for our vendors.”
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