The Big Issue has been a major innovator and influencer on social policy for over 25 years.
And to mark the achievements of the life-changing magazine and its founder Lord John Bird, a group of current and former Big Issue vendors were invited into Parliament last week.
James Bowen, the ex-vendor turned bestselling author of a Street Cat Names Bob, joined Lord Bird and Big Issue sellers at an evening reception held to celebrate the publication of The Parliamentary Review.
The group rubbed shoulder with some of the country’s leading political and business figures, sharing the entrepreneurial ideas behind The Big Issue that have helped thousands of homeless people overcome huge hurdles over the past quarter of a century.
The Parliamentary review is a series of documents based around key policy areas, where organizations and individuals – including Bird and The Big Issue – share best practice as a means of inspiring others.
Big Issue employee Sam, a former vendor who now acts as a franchisee to other vendors in London’s Covent Garden area, said the organization remained a leader.