Lee Mannion
London
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Articles by Lee Mannion
The Impact World this Week: 1 February 2024
Our key news stories European impact entrepreneurs unite in call for EU policymakers to support economic ‘paradigm shift’ Social enterprises supported by SSE more likely to survive first two years than other small businesses, research shows Plus: other stories that caught our eye Global: 242 global leaders have signed a third open letter to Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina expressing their dismay over the “continuous judicial harassment and potential jailing” of Nobel Peace Prize...
‘We need black leaders leading black funds’: Victor Adebowale condemns slow pace of change in UK social investment
The UK social investment market has made a little progress since the release of his commission’s report in January 2022, but it’s “not enough”, said Lord Victor Adebowale, the chair of Social Enterprise UK. Speaking at a round table conference on access to social investment for black, racialised and diverse communities, hosted by social economy consultancy For Business Sake, the award-winning social entrepreneur said he had grown “impatient” waiting for reform.
Opinion: Innovations for disaster resilience exist - now we must help them scale up
Crisis response and preparedness has come a long way – but to manage future disasters, we need to support a marketplace for tried-and-tested innovations – and to learn from experience in countries like India. Few calamities are as devastating as a natural disaster. The decades of repercussions and humanitarian crises inflicted by a tsunami, earthquake or flood echo a sense of helplessness globally as communities and nations rally to respond. India is no stranger to this feeling.
Fearless Fund lawsuit set to test limits of diversity-focused funding
Legal action accusing a US venture capital fund of racial discrimination, because it invests in Black women business owners, prompts anger – and raises questions about the future of race-based policies. A lawsuit accusing a US venture capital fund of racial discrimination because it invests in Black women business owners may have significant knock-on effects – regardless of whether it is successful or not.
Social Business Profile: Clear Voice - the award-winning language service helping refugees
The NatWest SE100 Social Business Champion is "all about social value", donating £1.7m to charity last year. Clear Voice CEO Sadie Visick tells us what's behind its success, and why rapid growth – with a three-fold growth in staff numbers recently – brings new challenges. Clear Voice is at a turning point. The UK social enterprise, which specialises in interpreting, translation, and transcription services, has been growing steadily since its inception in 2006.
Pioneers Post presents: The Good Leaders Podcast
Love podcasts? Don't miss out on ours! Catch up on all our podcasts and subscribe free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Soundcloud. There are lots of ways one might define 'good leadership', and many figures one could select as examples, whether from business, politics, sports or history.
Opinion: Finance is failing emerging market SMEs - as impact investors, we can change this
Around the globe, small and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs are the economic driving force, supporting employment and sustaining communities. Yet when it comes to access to capital and funding for growth, they are often overlooked in favour of larger businesses that are perceived to be a better investment bet. The situation is acute in emerging markets, and Africa in particular. SMEs in Africa account for up to 70% of employment and 40% of GDP across the continent.
Tagged - My Media
"Like the protagonist in this film, my parents experienced poverty, rejection and what felt like insurmountable obstacles when they came to the UK" – Social Value UK boss Isabelle Parasram OBE reveals the films, books and more that inspire her.
International knowledge sharing: will everyone win?
After a few decades of social enterprise and centuries of business, it’s reasonable to assume that there are enough examples of what works and what doesn’t by now. Business challenges recur consistently. How can I find more customers? Where can I get the right type of investment that will enable the business to grow? How do I know my strategy is the right way to go?
Meet the femcare company that’s asking important questions with its marketing
According to the membership and lobbying body Social Enterprise UK, most British social enterprises are small businesses, with a turnover of less than £50,000. This doesn’t leave a lot of budget for marketing. So when I spotted that Human Lending Library alumni Callaly recently released a professionally produced and promoted short film that has racked up millions of views, I wanted to know how they’d done it. “We wanted to produce a film that will be relevant in five years or 10 years time.
SE100 2020 Social investment award winners: Social and Sustainable Capital and Hull Women’s Network
The social investment award recognises groundbreaking or innovative deals in social and/or impact investment. Our SE100 judges have seen a lot of social investment deals, but this one really jumped out at them. The Social and Sustainable Housing fund, co-designed by investor Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC) and investee Hull Women’s Network, was lauded by our judges as a real “investee-led deal”, “truly innovative” and a “blueprint” for others to follow.
Big Society Capital hires new ad agency to help 'better appeal to our audiences'
Big Society Capital is to overhaul its brand this year in an effort to “re-engineer” how it communicates the benefits of social investing. A statement from marketing and advertising agency AML group, which has been contracted to deliver the work, says the rebrand aims “to make the mission clear and to encourage investment and participation”. Set up in 2012 to build the social investment market in the UK, Big Society Capital is revisiting its narrative and visual identity for the first time.
Brexit botherations: six social enterprises reveal how they're preparing for the worst
How are UK social enterprises weathering the Brexit storm? We spoke to six of them around the country to hear how they're preparing – or not – for what lies ahead THIS IS PREMIUM CONTENT VIEW SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS
NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards: shortlist revealed
The NatWest SE100 celebrates the growth, impact and resilience of social ventures in the UK – by naming the most impressive 100 social enterprises of the year in the Index, and giving seven SE100 Social Business Awards for the most outstanding achievers. Today, we reveal the shortlist of those up for a Social Business Award....
UK government floats 10% weighting for social value in contracts
The British government reinforced its commitment to create more social value from £49bn worth of public sector contracting at Social Enterprise UK’s Social Value Leaders Summit on Monday. After earlier unveiling plans specifying areas where commissioners should look to create social value, Cabinet Office parliamentary secretary Oliver Dowden (pictured above, right) gave more detail in a speech to more than 100 business leaders at King’s College, London.
January Impact Finance Bulletin: Resonance property fund secures £5m to tackle homelessness
Resonance Fund gets £5m investment from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity to tackle homelessness... The Resonance Real Lettings Property Fund² (RLPF²) has secured a £5m investment from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, the largest place-based health foundation in the UK. Managed by social impact investment company Resonance, the property fund was launched in 2015 and now has over £80m of funds under management following this latest investment.
Web content for the School for Social Entrepreneurs
The School for Social Entrepreneurs got in touch to ask if I could write five 1,000 word 'how to' articles for people who were setting up social enterprises - businesses with a mission to benefit society or the environment. They covered the following themes: how to launch your startup, how to find money for it, how to develop a brand, how to do the accounts and how to find a mentor. Links to all of them are below.
Social enterprise leaders named on New Year’s Honours List
A handful of social enterprise leaders have been recognised in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List. The honours system, awarded by the Queen, recognises people who have made achievements in public life, committed to helping Britain and in most cases ‘made life better for other people’, according to the UK government website. Anyone can nominate, and an independent committee reviews the nominations and makes the final decision.
Meet Bella, a digital pet caring for the elderly with purrs and companionship
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Patricia Richards, who is 64 years old and lives in Salem, Massachusetts, looks forward to her daily chats with her cat Bella. Feature: Digital pets provide elderly with companionship, healthcare “I love Bella very, very much. She’s helpful ... she does a lot of things for me and I’m so happy she’s in my house,” said Richards. Except Bella isn’t like most animals.
It's a date: women-to-women business fund comes to UK
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A women-to-women investment fund is coming to Britain next month to boost financing for female-owned businesses, its founder said on Thursday, as efforts grow to close the gender investing gap. SheEO has lent more than $2 million to 32 female social entrepreneurs in the United States, Canada and New Zealand to grow their businesses since 2015 in an attempt to address a global gender investment gap.
It's a date: women-to-women business fund comes to UK
LONDON, Oct 18 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A women-to-women investment fund is coming to Britain next month to boost financing for female-owned businesses, its founder said on Thursday, as efforts grow to close the gender investing gap. SheEO has lent more than $2 million to 32 female social entrepreneurs in the United States, Canada and New Zealand to grow their businesses since 2015 in an attempt to address a global gender investment gap.
It's a date: women-to-women business fund comes to UK
Female entrepreneurs often face more obstacles than men, including a lack of access to finance, business networks, international markets and role models LONDON, Oct 18 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A women-to-women investment fund is coming to Britain next month to boost financing for female-owned businesses, its founder said on Thursday, as efforts grow to close the gender investing gap.
Lawyer hopes ethical business can secure peace in the Philippines
Could ethical business be the key to ending one of Southeast Asia's most intractable separatist conflicts? LONDON, Oct 12 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Could ethical business be the key to ending one of Southeast Asia's most intractable separatist conflicts? That is the hope of lawyer Anwar Malang, who has campaigned for decades to bring peace to a Muslim enclave of the Catholic-majority Philippines.
Can ethical business help secure peace in the southern Philippines?
LONDON- Could ethical business be the key to ending one of Southeast Asia's most intractable separatist conflicts? That is the hope of lawyer Anwar Malang, who has campaigned for decades to bring peace to a Muslim enclave of the Catholic-majority Philippines. The conflict in Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines, has killed about 120,000 people, displaced 2 million and helped radical Islam gain a foothold in the region.
Caitlin Moran's 'Anti Patriarchy' Bag Also Supports Ethical Businesses
The gender equality tote bag supported by Caitlin Moran for Social Enterprise UK's Social Saturday campaign, September 26, 2018. LONDON, Oct 8 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A best selling feminist author is collaborating with British businesses that seek to do good as well as make a profit to promote equality and support so-called social enterprises.
Africa: 'War' On Food Waste Can Save Money and Boost Profits, Tech Firm Says
By Lee MannionLondon — A growing number of impact investors are putting their money into businesses aiming to address climate change and waste. Wasteless, an Israeli firm seeking to reduce food waste and save consumers money, won $2 million in funding on Tuesday, as more businesses seek to cut food losses amid rising global hunger.
Guerra ao desperdício de alimentos aumenta lucro e poupa recursos, diz empresa de tecnologia
Por Lee Mannion LONDRES (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A empresa israelense Wasteless, que busca reduzir o desperdício de alimentos e economizar dinheiro do consumidor, ganhou 2 milhões de dólares em financiamento nesta terça-feira, em um momento em que mais companhias tentam reduzir a perda de alimentos diante de um aumento da fome global.
'War' on food waste can save money and boost profits, tech firm says
LONDON, Oct 9 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Wasteless, an Israeli firm seeking to reduce food waste and save consumers money, won $2 million in funding on Tuesday, as more businesses seek to cut food losses amid rising global hunger. The two-year-old firm sells software to supermarkets so that they can manage their stocks and reduce food prices as shelf life dwindles, reducing waste and boosting profits.
FEATURE-Scottish pupils learn to 'make life better' as ethical entrepreneurs
EDINBURGH, Oct 9 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When an 87-year-old man fell down outside their primary school, the children brainstormed how to help elderly people in their Scottish village. And their conclusion was to start a business. Going door-to-door, the children had already noticed that old people, often living alone, appreciated a chat more than the free lettuces they were giving away from their school garden.
'War' on food waste can save money and boost profits, tech firm says
A growing number of impact investors are putting their money into businesses aiming to address climate change and waste. LONDON, Oct 9 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Wasteless, an Israeli firm seeking to reduce food waste and save consumers money, won $2 million in funding on Tuesday, as more businesses seek to cut food losses amid rising global hunger.
Feminist writer promotes Britain's ethical businesses with 'anti-patriarchy' bag
The bag will be sold at an event to encourage consumers to spend money with businesses that give back to society, and is also available online By Lee Mannion LONDON, Oct 8 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A best selling feminist author is collaborating with British businesses that seek to do good as well as make a profit to promote equality and support so-called social enterprises.
Global leaders in impact investing honoured in Delhi
Catalysts of the global impact movement from all corners of the world will be recognised by the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) at the 4th annual Impact Summit on 8-9 October in New Delhi. The annual GSG Honors and GSG Millennial Honors celebrate the individuals and organisations radically reshaping how measurable impact on people and the planet is reflected in financial decision-making.
3S conference: Impact investors must be more strategic
Impact investors must be more strategic if they are going to make a real difference with their money, claims deputy director of the European Investment Fund and impact investment expert, Uli Grabenwarter. Speaking at the 3S Manage for Impact conference in Barcelona on Friday 28 September, Grabenwarter (right) argued that investors were too focused on ensuring that investees met their own requirements in terms of risk and return.
Africa: Emma Watson Urges Global Access to Abortion in Open Letter
By Lee MannionLondon — Actress Emma Watson called for action to end restrictive abortion laws on Monday as she paid tribute to the Indian woman whose death helped overturn Ireland's 35-year ban. Savita Halappanavar died in 2012 from a septic miscarriage after she was refused a termination in an Irish hospital, sparking a huge outcry that helped galvanise the campaign to legalise abortion in the Catholic country.
Zero waste shop wins award as 'Blue Planet' effect grows
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A zero waste shop won an ethical business award in Wales on Wednesday night, highlighting a growing trend among retailers to cut plastic use as worry over its environmental impact rises. Judges praised Natural Weigh in south Wales for educating people about the dangers of single-use plastic and for providing a solution to minimize its use - by asking customers to bring their own containers to buy food by weight.
Zero waste shop wins award as 'Blue Planet' effect grows
LONDON, Sept 27 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A zero waste shop won an ethical business award in Wales on Wednesday night, highlighting a growing trend among retailers to cut plastic use as worry over its environmental impact rises. Judges praised Natural Weigh in south Wales for educating people about the dangers of single-use plastic and for providing a solution to minimise its use - by asking customers to bring their own containers to buy food by weight.
Zero waste shop wins award as 'Blue Planet' effect grows
8 mln tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, degrading precious habitats, killing marine life and entering the human food chain LONDON, Sept 27 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A zero waste shop won an ethical business award in Wales on Wednesday night, highlighting a growing trend among retailers to cut plastic use as worry over its environmental impact rises.
Zero waste shop wins award as 'Blue Planet' effect grows
LONDON, Sept 27 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A zero waste shop won an ethical business award in Wales on Wednesday night, highlighting a growing trend among retailers to cut plastic use as worry over its environmental impact rises. Judges praised Natural Weigh in south Wales for educating people about the dangers of single-use plastic and for providing a solution to minimise its use - by asking customers to bring their own containers to buy food by weight.
World's Only Transgender Minister Seeks to Break Barriers in Taiwan
Citizenship Audrey Tang wants to help entrepreneurs find solutions to social problems. TOMORROW—Audrey Tang @audreyt, #Taiwan's digital minister, discusses social innovation, open government, youth empowerment, and more with @AsiaPolicy's @dannyrrussel.
Oxford University offers boost for businesses that put people before profit
LONDON, Sept 25 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - After decades of incubating science and engineering companies, Oxford University announced on Tuesday it is branching out to support businesses that put people before profit, seeking to maximise the impact of its academic research on the world.
Transgender minister seeks to break barriers in Taiwan
World's only transgender minister is bringing her iconoclastic approach to the job, seeking to help entrepreneurs find solutions to social problems By Lee Mannion EDINBURGH, Sept 24 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - As a transgender woman and one-time anarchist revolutionary, Taiwan's digital minister Audrey Tang has spent her life challenging preconceptions.
INTERVIEW-Transgender minister seeks to break barriers in Taiwan
EDINBURGH, Sept 24 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - As a transgender woman and one-time anarchist revolutionary, Taiwan’s digital minister Audrey Tang has spent her life challenging preconceptions. Now Tang - the world’s only transgender minister - is bringing her iconoclastic approach to the job, seeking to break down barriers between government and business and help entrepreneurs find solutions to social problems.
Oxford University offers boost for businesses that put people before profit
The world-leading British university is seeking to maximise the impact of its academic research on the world LONDON, Sept 25 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - After decades of incubating science and engineering companies, Oxford University announced on Tuesday it is branching out to support businesses that put people before profit, seeking to maximise the impact of its academic research on the world.
Global Focus: Greece
In May 2010, cities in Greece became battlegrounds between furious anti-austerity demonstrators and riot police. Flames from petrol bombs lit up the streets, tourists were stranded as flights were grounded and the Acropolis was stormed by thousands of protestors. After several years of harsh government cuts which were attempting to stabilise the Greek economy after a fudged eurozone entry, the country was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.
One in 20 UK workers part of 'hidden revolution' to reform capitalism
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - One in 20 British workers - or 2 million people - have jobs with firms that seek to do good while also earning a profit, research showed on Wednesday, dubbing it a “hidden revolution”. Social enterprises also contribute 60 billion pounds ($79 billion) to the world’s fifth largest economy - 150 percent higher than the previous estimate of 24 billion pounds, said Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), which represents the sector. “There are ...
SEWF 2018: “We’re standing on a burning platform”
Time is running out for social entrepreneurs and social investors to really change the world. This was the essence of the messages from speakers on the final morning of the Social Enterprise World Forum 2018 in Edinburgh. In two plenaries on 14 September, several speakers pointed out that rising political extremism, potentially catastrophic climate change and rampant capitalism were pushing the planet towards a tipping point from which there could be no return.
One in 20 UK workers part of 'hidden revolution' to reform capitalism
By working for firms which seek to do good while also earning a profit LONDON, Sept 19 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - One in 20 British workers - or 2 million people - have jobs with firms that seek to do good while also earning a profit, research showed on Wednesday, dubbing it a "hidden revolution".
SEWF 2018: It ended with a roar
The Social Enterprise World Forum 2018 ended with a roar as the host city passed from Edinburgh to Ethiopia's Addis Ababa with a celebratory performance from traditional Ethiopian dancers. During the ceremony, delegates heard from a selection of the forum’s leading figures, with many speaking on theme of inspiring a new generation of social entrepreneurs through education.
Lack of awareness holds back British businesses that do good - industry
EDINBURGH, Sept 14 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A lack of public awareness is holding back British businesses that put people before profit, industry leaders said at a conference in Scotland this week, comparing the social enterprise tag with the better known Fairtrade movement.
Lack of awareness holds back British businesses that do good - industry
Unlike the Fairtrade scheme - which guarantees producers in developing countries a fair price - few people know how social enterprises work EDINBURGH, Sept 14 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A lack of public awareness is holding back British businesses that put people before profit, industry leaders said at a conference in Scotland this week, comparing the social enterprise tag with the better known Fairtrade movement.
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