Pictured: Sam Conniff, co-founder of Livity; Nobel Laureate
Professor Muhammad Yunus; Heather Hancock, managing partner for
talent and brand at Deloitte; Michael May, Founder and Chief
Executive of Blue Sky Development
Deloitte have announced a search for the UK's most socially
innovative businesses, with the winners set to receive a package of
support from the business advisory firm. 'Deloitte Social
Innovation Pioneers', which is being supported by Nobel Laureate
Professor Muhammad Yunus, pioneer of the microfinance movement and
worldwide advocate of social business, aims to support the
development and growth of the social business sector across the
UK.
It is estimated that there are 62,000* social enterprises in the
UK, contributing approximately £24bn* to the economy.
Deloitte believes there is significant potential for these
businesses to become an influential and mainstream economic sector.
The programme aims to identify social businesses that demonstrate
sustainable positive impact and high-growth potential. In return,
Deloitte will provide a package of support to help them achieve
scale and become investment ready.
Professor Yunus said: "Businesses with a clear social purpose
have the power to deliver profound and sustainable change for the
benefit of all. I strongly believe that this is the future of
business. I'm delighted that forward-thinking businesses like
Deloitte, through their Social Innovation Pioneers programme, are
making serious commitments to support the development of growth in
this sector."
Applications to be a Pioneer are now open and Deloitte will
reveal up to 50 Social Innovation Pioneers next spring. The package
each will receive includes: access to Deloitte business experts and
a dedicated team to manage the relationships and mentor the social
business, networking opportunities with the firm's clients and
wider contacts, master classes on topics including leadership,
business skills and investment readiness, and where appropriate,
help in creating a non-executive board as well as access to pro
bono support.
Chris Loughran, Senior Partner of Deloitte in Birmingham, said:
"Innovation and enterprise in the social business sector is fast
becoming a success story for the UK. Business can so often be a
force for good - driving innovation, investment and skills that
enable social progress and tackle some of our biggest societal
challenges.
"I urge businesses in the West Midlands to find out more about
our programme, and see how their business and the social impact it
is having can be considered for the award. We want to help such
businesses fulfil their potential and expect also to learn a great
deal from their innovation and creativity."
Partners helping Deloitte deliver this programme include: Social
Enterprise UK, WaveLength, London Business School, Big Issue Invest
and Matter&Co.
Peter Holbrook, CEO of Social Enterprise UK, said: "We are
delighted to be working with Deloitte on its Social Innovation
Pioneers Programme. The social enterprise movement continues to
grow in size, diversity and experience, but the potential for
scaling its impact remains substantial. This makes the type of
focused, expert support that Deloitte are providing all the more
necessary and timely."
* http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk