Formula E and giffgaff partner to create new opportunities for Big Issue Recruit candidates

Thousands of motorsport fans will head to London’s ExCeL in August to watch Formula E’s electric cars battle it out on the track. But while the racing grabs the headlines, another initiative at the event will be creating opportunities for people supported by Big Issue.

Formula E and mobile and broadband provider giffgaff, both B Corps, have announced a new partnership ahead of the London E-Prix. As part of it, €25,000 (£21,400) will go to Big Issue – giffgaff’s long-term impact partner – through the motorsport’s Better Futures Fund.

The money will help people supported by Big Issue Recruit, Big Issue’s specialist recruitment service for those who’ve faced homelessness or long-term unemployment. Each person will get a refurbished smartphone, career insights and paid work experience with Formula E and giffgaff.

“We’re delighted to be working with Formula E and giffgaff to offer this unique opportunity to the people
we support,” said Stuart Greenway, Big Issue Recruit director. “Access to high-profile events and hands-on experience helps develop workplace skills and demonstrates that exciting opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.”

Since 2024, giffgaff has been rolling out refurbished smartphones to Big Issue vendors, helping them take contactless payments and increase earnings by an average of 30%. Last year, that expanded to Big Issue Recruit, giving jobseekers a refurbished device to search for vacancies and join online interviews and training.

During the London E-Prix on 15 and 16 August, candidates from the Big Issue Recruit programme will get hands-on experience at one of the UK’s biggest sporting events, working alongside giffgaff employees in the Fan Village.

A Big Issue Recruit London job coach said: “The Formula E event, in partnership with giffgaff, provides an excellent opportunity for the young people we support. They will make connections that will enhance their employability and support their future career goals.”

Read more:

• Formula E is in pole position as sport’s first-ever B Corp
• Joining the B Corp movement made Big Issue stronger
• giffgaff and Big Issue Partner to Bridge Digital Divide

Formula E became the first global sport to achieve B Corp certification earlier this year; giffgaff has held the accreditation since 2022. B Corp status recognises businesses that meet verified standards for social and environmental business practices.

At the Fan Village, visitors can find out more about reducing electronic waste through phone refurbishment and recycling. In the last year, 66% of phones giffgaff sold were refurbished, helping people save money while extending the lifespan of pre-owned devices. 

On top of that, eSIM adoption is increasing year on year, offering a quick, hassle-free connection while cutting down on single-use SIM plastic. 

giffgaff will be bringing this to life at the stand, with an interactive quiz and free phone health checks from giffgaff’s recycling partner Likewize, who’ll be offering trade-in options on site.

Kate Dohaney, CEO of giffgaff, said the partnership speaks to both organisations’ commitment to doing business more sustainably.

“Partnering with Formula E is a natural fit for us, as B Corp businesses that share a passion for innovation, sustainability and community.

“At the heart of sport is connectivity and bringing people together, which is exactly what we believe is important at giffgaff. We’re excited to connect fans to the energy of the track and proud to be part of the ongoing impact the Better Futures Fund contribution will make.”

Julia Pallé, Formula E’s vice president of sustainability, added: “We are thrilled to team up with giffgaff for this exciting partnership, brought together by a deep alignment on values. As the first and only global sport to achieve B Corp status, Formula E is dedicated to driving progress on and off the track.

“We are proud to deliver meaningful change by supporting Big Issue through our Better Futures Fund, equipping Big Issue Recruit candidates with essential digital tools, training and work experience to unlock new opportunities.”

If you could benefit from the support of Big Issue Recruit’s job coaches, or if you are an employer looking to build an inclusive team and create social impact, get in touch with Big Issue Recruit

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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