Member updates

Charity Bank, the loans and savings bank for social good, is inviting trustees, directors, CEOs and managers of charities, social enterprises and community organisations to attend a series of free regional events in September and October. Held in collaboration with local and national sector partners, the events will explore the critical role of sustainable finance in driving positive change and fostering thriving communities. The half-day events will be taking place in Liverpool, London, Wolverhampton, and Southampton, with an additional virtual event to ensure that content is accessible to all. Speakers will include national and regional experts including Locality, Community First, Crowe Accountants, Brabners Solicitors, SIB Network, Charity Intelligence, and others. Together they will discuss how sustainable finance can enable charities and social enterprises to unlock their potential, the state of the sector, local challenges, and explore innovative solutions. The events will also offer an opportunity for charities, social enterprises, and community organisations to connect with like-minded individuals, finance experts, and expand their networks. Each event will be hosted from 9:30am – 12:30pm at the following locations: Liverpool (The Bluecoat, L1 3BX): Thursday 28th September London (Museum of Brands, W11 1QT): Tuesday 3rd October Southampton (Ordnance Survey, SO16 OAS): Thursday 5th October Wolverhampton (ASAN, WV2 1EL): Tuesday 10th October Virtual event (Via Zoom): Tuesday 17th October To find out more and register visit charitybank.org/NavigatingChange About Charity Bank Charity Bank is the loans and savings bank for charities, social enterprises and people who want to make the world a better place. It uses its savers’ money to provide much needed loans to UK organisations working to drive positive social change – bringing benefits for people, communities and the environment. Since 2002, Charity Bank has made more than 1,200 loans totalling over £450m to housing, education, social care, community and other social purpose organisations. Charity Bank is owned by social purpose organisations and aims to use its expertise, commitment and flexible approach to lending, to help charities and social enterprises get the support and funding they need. charitybank.org

The transaction is an offensive to unite two innovative social enterprises and global players in the IT industry; the deal unifies more than 465 autistic employees to become the largest autistic-majority company in the world. auticon and Unicus have entered into an agreement under which the two companies will unite. The deal was brokered by Ferd, an Oslo-based family-owned investment company and shareholder in both companies. The historic deal establishes a global model for an autistic-majority social enterprise and ESG company, addressing the inequalities in employment for neurodivergent adults.   By joining forces, auticon and Unicus increase potential for creating value for customers, employees, and society – in existing and new markets. The combination marks an important next step for our business and social mission. Our customers will get access to a broader range of IT, software and management services and a larger team with a global footprint, while our employees can continue to grow in the same supported work environment.   Under the terms of the deal:  The two combined companies will become the “largest autistic-majority company in the world,” with 81% (465) of its 575 employees on the autism spectrum.  Ferd, an investor in both companies, will become the lead impact investor in the combined company.  The two businesses come together under the umbrella of auticon GmbH as future joint holding company of the auticon and the Unicus shareholders. Lars Johansson-Kjellerød, CEO of the Unicus group will be joining auticon CFO Markus Weber and Group CEO Kurt Schöffer in the management board of auticon GmbH.  The unified company will operate in 14 countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland, and France.  The company expects to achieve 50M EUR revenue and 600+ employees by the end of 2023. Investors include Ferd, Autism Impact Fund, Ananda Impact Ventures, KOIS, Felix Porsche, Sir Richard Branson, Ferst Capital Partners, and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.  A crisis of unemployment among autistic adults  It is estimated that less than 29% of autistic adults are in any form of meaningful employment (Office for National Statistics, UK, 2022). Many autistic adults possess cognitive strengths that make them particularly well-suited for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despite this, they are faced with barriers such as an exclusionary recruitment process, poor autism awareness, and employers feeling unprepared to offer support.  With 15 years of experience and a solid track record, a global footprint of 14 countries, proprietary data, and technology platforms, the combined company will provide high-value IT services to clients, including data science, software development, cybersecurity, AI, and quality assurance and testing. Additionally, actionable neurodiversity training and advisory services will become available in Nordic markets.  On a mission to improve the lives of autistic adults  auticon and Unicus are improving the lives of autistic adults through employment. According to internal polling, both companies report significant quality of life improvements for employees, including increased self-esteem, quality of life, income, confidence, and improved well-being. To learn more, view the latest impact reports for Unicus and auticon.   auticon Group CEO Kurt Schöffer commented: “Imagine a company where the majority are autistic. Most could never conceive of such a thing, yet we come to work every day. This merger unites two high-profile IT consulting companies behind a unifying purpose – neurodiversity.”  auticon CFO Markus Weber commented: “This deal makes auticon even more interesting for the financial market. Under the guidance of Ferd, now our largest shareholder, auticon has unlimited possibilities and guidance for further growth.”  Unicus Founder and CEO Lars Johansson-Kjellerød commented: "By our marriage, we create the world's largest autistic-majority corporation. With the focus on neurodiversity, we will continue to create unique results for our customers and an increased quality of life for our employees. The joint companies have the same DNA and vision to create a more inclusive world, and when we combine Unicus and auticon's long experience, that is, in my opinion, the best prerequisites to successfully foster change and innovation and to create the leading Social company focusing on neurodiversity. I am looking forward to the journey ahead!" Ferd owner and Chair, Johan H. Andresen commented: "The combination of auticon and Unicus represents a major milestone for social impact investing. When Ferd started investing in social entrepreneurs in 2007 we had a vision that it would be possible to build and scale these organizations with their innovative solutions and that they could deliver both great social impact and strong financial performance.    Our journey with Unicus started in 2009, with a small grant to fund a pilot project, followed by an investment in auticon in 2018. Now we are witnessing the emergence of a multinational social entrepreneur, one of the very first of its kind. We are very excited and proud to support the new group in its ambitious plans going forward."  About auticon  auticon is an award-winning social innovation company. As an autistic-majority company, we're a resource for talent. We integrate our technology consultants into client organizations, performing as software developers, data analysts, QA engineers, and more. Clients experience our outstanding autistic professionals first-hand, opening minds and achieving diversity goals.  Our model improves the economic and social conditions of the autistic community with quality careers, unlocking opportunity, and empowering client organisations through actionable neurodiversity training and advisory services. Here, our employees build lifelong careers in technology, discovering personal autonomy and improved self-esteem.  Investors include Ferd, Autism Impact Fund, Ananda Impact Ventures, KOIS, Felix Porsche, Sir Richard Branson, Ferst Capital Partners and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. For more information, visit www.auticon.com. About Unicus  Unicus was founded in 2008 by Lars Johansson-Kjellerød, with the vision of a better and more inclusive world for people with autism built on the individual`s strengths. Unicus is an IT company specialized in services within Datascience, Software development, RPA and Software testing and today operates in Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and newly started in Poland, with many of the largest Nordic companies on their customer list. For more information, see www.unicus.com  About Ferd  Ferd is a Norwegian family-owned investment company owned by the fifth and sixth generations of the Andresen family. The investment company is called Ferd (‘journey’) because, in the true sense of the word, it represents ‘travel without an end’. The Ferd vision – to create enduring value and leave clear footprints – articulates a firm commitment to creating value that is not just financial. Ferd is an active, long-term investor in social innovative enterprises that generate measurable social impact using a sustainable business model. Ferd is the majority shareholder in Unicus, and has been a supporter of the company since inception in 2009. For more information, see www.ferd.no/en/ 

Social Enterprise UK member Fair for You is a winner in the prestigious Global Good Awards for the second consecutive year. Fair for You was recognised in the Community Partnerships category for its pioneering Iceland Food Club scheme, which it operates for retailer Iceland Foods. The zero-interest loans scheme, which enables families to stock up ahead of school holidays, has been used by more than 26,000 households, meaning an estimated 50,000-plus children have been able to avoid going hungry. Evidence has shown that the scheme has helped parents to get control of their finances, reduce stress and anxiety, and avoid having to use dangerous illegal lenders. In 2022, Fair for You was awarded the 'One to Watch' prize in the Community Partnership category, not long after the scheme was rolled out nationally. In 2023, it took a step up and secured a Bronze award in what was again a highly-competitive category. Simon Dukes, CEO of Fair for You, said:  "The Iceland Food Club, our ground-breaking partnership with Iceland Foods, has helped remove the threat of food poverty from an estimated 50,000 children. "In turn it has helped their parents to get their finances under control, and avoid having to turn to dangerous illegal lenders. "Being recognised alongside other fantastic schemes by these prestigious awards is further validation of the power of affordable credit, and the impact retailers can have through such partnerships." Earlier this year, the Iceland Food Club was highlighted as an important measure by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending the Need for Food Banks, supported by the Trussell Trust, in its report ‘Cash or food? Exploring effective responses to destitution’. The report highlighted the social impact of the Iceland Food Club, and the role of affordable credit schemes such as this in helping to “prevent people needing to turn to loan sharks or high-interest loan companies, which could make a bad situation turn worse”. Fair for You was created in 2015. It is owned by a charity, and reinvests all surpluses into its social mission of supporting financially-excluded households to buy essential items, avoid hardship and improve their financial resilience. It is backed by a range of leading charities and social investors, including Big Issue Invest, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Social Investment Scotland and the government-supported Fair4All Finance.

Bridgit Care, a social enterprise supporting unpaid carers across the UK, is providing services to help the approximately 5.7 million unpaid carers in the country who take care of their friends, family, and neighbours.   Due to the large number of carers and limited government resources, it is difficult for healthcare and social care teams to provide the level of support they would like to offer this community. Bridgit works in partnership with the NHS, Local Authorities, and Carer Charities to address this challenge. Their services identify carers, link them to appropriate support, and help them access the assistance they need. Bridgit use technology to scale up the support that can be provided. Designed by carers and care experts, Bridgit’s resources are specifically tailored to the busy and often stressful lives of people who regularly care for others. The platform is user-friendly with simple navigation and a clean layout, ensuring comfortable exploration even for those with limited digital skills. Bridgit’s Online Self-help tool designed to be inclusive and free to use, for any carer in the UK, and have already supported carers from every UK town and city.   This tool allows carers to explore wellbeing, employment, finance, and care advice, as well as events, local and national support services, and training opportunities.  This free support now also includes the ability to have a Whatsapp chat via the new virtual Carer Coach Ask Bridgit, the first of its kind to use Chat GPT to support social care. Announcement It’s Carers Week, and Bridgit Care are proud to announce that they have received an Inclusive Innovation award from Innovate UK.  With the funding from this award the team have worked with Dorset Council to develop a new interactive, and inclusive online service that allows carers to easily complete a carers assessment and submit it to their local authority.  In May 2023, Carers UK issued a report highlighting the importance of access to carers assessments and the importance of providing an online option.  Local Authorities have a statutory requirement to support carers to complete an assessment to understand the needs of their carers, providing them with extra support that they are entitled to.  Due to increased pressures in Social Care many regions are struggling to process carers assessments as quickly as they would like. Cllr Jane Somper, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “Bridgit is an exciting and important step for the council to encourage more people who care for others to access the free support they are entitled to. To have shaped Bridgit with local expert input has been excellent and I encourage anyone who is or thinks they may be a carer, to explore Bridgit for themselves.” Since the solution went live in May 2023, carers and professionals in Dorset have also been positive about the new service.  A carer for their mum & sister said “So far I’ve learned about so much out there I had no idea about. Absolutely invaluable. Thank you so much.”  Darren Crombie, founder of Bridgit, said: “Getting help for carers who do an invaluable but often unseen job, unpaid, is at the centre of everything we do. Working with carers and care professionals in Dorset has been a great experience for us and I hope this truly local online tool encourages people to come forward and sign up as a carer to get all the support that is available. Bridgit Care are in discussion with a number of Local Authorities to provide this service within their regions.  If you are a Local Authority of Carer Charity and would like additional information on the new service or Bridgit’s broader support, you can book a meeting here to find out more.

As the UK celebrates National Refugee Week (19-25 June), the Ideas Into Action partnership supporting entrepreneurial refugees will showcase ventures from 13 new social business leaders on Thursday 22 June in London’s Museum of the Home. Ideas Into Action is a partnership between Result Community Interest Company (CIC), Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) and The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN) that supports refugees to develop their own social businesses or non-profit organisations. Participants are assisted with bespoke social business support and fundraising for their new social venture, while benefitting from one-to-one coaching and group workshops that help build the confidence and communication skills needed to run a successful business. With each entrepreneur on the programme having lived experience of the social issue they are addressing, Ideas Into Action is creating a generation of social businesses led by leaders from the communities they serve. Since launching in 2021, Ideas Into Action has worked with 30 refugee social entrepreneurs – and is due to reach 60 by the end of next year, thanks to a national recruitment campaign. Last year saw ten entrepreneurial refugees graduate from the programme, and this year 13 more founders will present their social ventures to potential investors, supporters and partners at the Ideas Into Action Demo Day on 22 June. Yusuf Ciftci, founder of Experts by Experience Employment Initiative who completed the Ideas Into Action programme last year, said: “I've had an absolute boost in my confidence with the crowd-funder campaign I launched with the amazing help of Ideas into Action. Thanks to quality advice and business support, I was able to raise seed funding to kick-start my non-profit, which is now a 60-organisation-wide network working towards improving refugee employment.” Jane Cordell and Hormoz Ahmadzadeh, Directors at Result CIC, said: “National Refugee Week is the perfect time to celebrate these entrepreneurs who have been refugees, but of course our work does not stop this week and we look forward to supporting even more people with this nationwide specialist programme. They will gain not only greater confidence in their ideas for starting or developing their own organisations, but also practical tools and crowdfunding to get started. The members of each group will be encouraged to support each other and, after finishing the programme, pass on their ideas to the next group. In this way we expect brilliant new organisations to start up plus a stronger community between its leaders.” Elaine Crehan, Head of Membership at Social Enterprise UK, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this vital programme to support refugees building their own social enterprises. From creating job opportunities to breaking down stigma and prejudice, the social enterprise sector has long been a space where refugees can find a sense of community and belonging. It’s wonderful to see this programme helping refugees to set up social enterprises, using their own ideas and experiences to create thriving businesses that do great things for people and planet. It’s a pleasure to welcome all the participants into our network, where they can grow even stronger together.” Fred Kastner, Director of Social Innovation at TERN, said: “Ideas into Action is an opportunity for our community members to show how they use their passion, ingenuity and hard work to help communities in the UK and beyond. Their lived experience and deep community connections enable them to create solutions that fulfil the needs of members of society who are often overlooked and unheard. We have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership with Result CIC and SEUK to build a thriving community of Ideas into Action graduates/alumni who can partner up, amplify each other’s missions, and guide the next generation of refugee social entrepreneurs for years to come.” The Ideas Into Action partnership that brings Result CIC together with SEUK and TERN is made possible by support from The National Lottery Community Fund, which awarded vital funding of £180,000 to the programme in 2021. John Mothersole, Chair of England Committee at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this scheme, helping to boost skills and employment prospects for refugees so they can lead fulfilled lives while settling into and contributing to life in the UK. It is thanks to National Lottery players that we are able to fund this impactful work that will result in improved opportunities for local economies and communities, enabling them to prosper and thrive.” Find out more at www.notion.so/tern/Ideas-Into-Action-2023. To attend the showcase event, register at www.ideas-into-action-demo-day-23.eventbrite.co.uk. If you’re interested in becoming a partner or funder on the project, email info@resultcic.com or call 07516 518194. ENDS About Ideas Into Action Ideas into Action is a partnership between Result CIC, The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN) and Social Enterprise UK (SEUK). The programme supports refugees to create and launch new social products and services for communities in the UK and beyond. Vital funding of £180,000 was awarded to the programme in 2021 by The National Lottery Community Fund. So far, the programme has worked with 23 refugee social entrepreneurs, and is due to reach 60 by the end of next year. Find out more at www.notion.so/tern/Ideas-Into-Action-2023.

Charity Bank, the loans and savings bank for social good, has announced its annual results for the year ended December 2022. The bank achieved a record financial result, with a significant profit of £2.7m. Charity Bank will reinvest 100% of its 2022 profit to further its mission and extend its reach to underfunded charities and social enterprises. In 2022, Charity Bank also disbursed a record £53.9m in new loans, supporting UK charities and social enterprises. The bank expects to significantly increase the range and diversity of organisations supported in 2023, and will set specific targets for reaching ethnically diverse enterprises and other groups that have experienced exclusion from social investment. “Our strong financial performance will enable us to expand our lending activities, which will help us to make an even greater social impact,” said Ed Siegel, Chief Executive of Charity Bank. “During the cost of living crisis we have remained a reliable source of support for charities and social enterprises. By providing loans, Charity Bank helps these organisations to improve their financial position, expand their services, and better serve their communities.” The results of Charity Bank's 2023 borrower survey highlight the transformative effects of their loans and support on borrowers [1]: 71% of respondents reported an increased number of services 89% noted an improved quality of service or facilities 68% said their Charity Bank loan allowed their projects to go ahead 61% experienced a growth in income 40% reduced their operational costs 33% acknowledged that the bank's support helped them stay afloat Moreover, in 2022, 60% of Charity Bank's lending was directed towards organisations operating in the most underfunded and underserved areas of the UK [2]. The bank also supports initiatives combating climate change and assists organisations in reducing their carbon footprint. According to the borrower survey, 21% of respondents reported direct environmental benefits from the projects supported with a Charity Bank loan, with an additional 21% experiencing indirect environmental benefits. Charity Bank's revised strategy for 2023-2027 focuses on amplifying its impact and reaching underserved communities. If focuses on organisations serving those with the greatest needs, targets economically deprived communities, extends outreach to systematically underfunded groups, prioritises lending intentionally for complex housing needs, and building a "green lending" portfolio. “We are committed to being the lender of choice for UK impact-driven organisations,” said Ed Siegel. “We believe that we can make a real difference in the lives of people and communities across the UK, and we are excited to continue our work in 2023 and beyond.” The full annual results can be found on the Charity Bank website: www.CharityBank.org/2022annualresults [1] The borrower survey was offered to 195 of our current and recently repaid borrowers, with 137 completing the survey (a 71% response rate). The results are as self-reported by our borrowers. [2] Using the indices of multiple deprivation published for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to identify the areas of social need. These indices rank each small area or neighbourhood from most to least deprived in each country, and separate them into 10 equal groups called ‘deprivation deciles’. The most deprived areas have a high proportion of people on very low incomes, higher number of people dying prematurely and more people having trouble finding an affordable home. 60% of our lending in 2022 was to the four most ‘deprived deciles’ of the UK.

Leading events crew supplier and flagship social enterprise Connection Crew CIC have launched a major advertising campaign. As a London Living Wage Employer, the company aims to help break the minimum wage ceiling, raise awareness, and recruit new crew as it prepares for further expansion following a 132 per cent revenue increase last year.  The campaign is being delivered by global advertising agency TBWA\London, through a digital billboard, and referral marketing campaign that involves Connection Crew’s existing staff identifying potential recruits. The campaign will be seen across dozens of sites throughout London.   The advertising campaign highlights opportunities to work in exciting jobs in crewing at major exhibitions, festivals, concerts, and other events, as well as construction, sport, television and film locations. To drive job applications, Connection Crew team members are being challenged to find ambitious gig economy workers including delivery drivers, baristas, security, bar and catering staff, and students, and present them with a card with links to a job application form.  "We’ve grown significantly in the last two years while maintaining our high standards and providing employment opportunities for those that need it most. Now we need to support another phase of expansion," says Warren Rogers, Connection Crew Director. "Part of the measurement of our success is that we demonstrate that social enterprises can be highly successful as commercial operators, competing against other major companies. Our aim is to continue breaking new ground both as a crewing company, and as a social enterprise."   The success of Connection Crew as a supplier of trained crew for major events such as the Coronation, London Marathon, Ideal Home Show, Clerkenwell Design Week, Glastonbury-BBC and Creamfields, is evidence of how a social enterprise can outcompete traditional business model rivals. It provided crew for more than 3,600 events in 2022. Long standing clients include  BAFTA, Underbelly, Media 10 and Wates Group. The organisation’s premium level service ethos and reliability has enabled it to establish a unique position as a crew provider within the events, television, film and construction industries, where reliable staff are needed for an array of manual handling and technical work.   "Imagine if every event in London and beyond helped to make a positive impact on people within their community, it would make a big difference to society." says Leasa Slater, Connection Crew Resources Manager.  "A huge strength of Connection Crew is the amount of impact we make socially, culturally, and environmentally." In parallel with its commercial success, Connection Crew has recently hit the significant milestone of providing more than 200,000 hours of employment to those that have experienced, or been at risk of, homelessness, or who traditionally face barriers to employment. Currently, 20 per cent of their crew have faced one or more of these barriers.  It’s employment opportunities and a supportive environment helps foster a strong work ethic, willingness to learn and a robust team dynamic. These attributes are reflected in the organisation’s award-winning reputation within the business sectors it operates in, and high repeat business rates.  A major part the organisation’s success, both commercially and socially, is its Academy, that provides a hands-on three-day employment preparation programme. Graduates are guaranteed an interview, and a 12-week mentoring scheme in which Academy graduates are provided with an experienced crew member as mentor, who is a trained volunteer for the role. For 18 years, Connection Crew has worked on some of the biggest and most prestigious events in London and the UK. Their ambition is to expand their reach and grow their impact on a national scale.

GLL – the UK’s largest provider of public leisure facilities – has taken an important next step towards powering its facilities with renewable energy with the announcement of its first ‘Green Gym’. Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club in South East London boasts a 350 m2  gym with over 40 pieces of equipment, many of which are “Self-Powered” .  Since installing a brand new 38 kW solar array on the roof, the power generated now has sufficient capacity to operate the gym by renewable energy for the first time. The forward thinking charitable social enterprise – which missed out on Government energy support afforded to Cultural institutions like libraries and museums – has made the investment from its own capital reserves as part of its journey towards a carbon zero future.  The new panels at Charlton Gym will generate 35,000kWh of renewable power and save 7 tonnes of CO2 per annum. At the same time, the company has invested in a solar panel array at Middlegate House – its Royal Arsenal Riverside HQ – which is providing the power needs of its Customer Service Centre, again for the very first time. GLL’s solar installation for the Customer Service Centre also allows for surplus energy to be stored in batteries for rainy day use – a boon in Britain’s fickle climate. The investment comes on the back of a multi-year journey to make the business – which operates nearly 400 facilities across Belfast, Cardiff and England - more sustainable,  reducing waste, CO2 and energy consumption under its “Respecting the Planet” Corporate Value.  GLL is also working closely with its partners to invest in the environment for the future. Chris Hebblewhite, GLL’s National Director of Standards & Compliance said: “This is fantastic news for GLL, taking our sustainability journey towards zero carbon to the next level. “Our customers and staff will benefit too knowing that respecting the planet is an important part of the purposed business they have chosen to be a part of. “Our social enterprise is all about making a difference for communities and the climate crisis is already having an effect on them. Reducing our impact on the environment aligns us with the ambitious goals of our local authority partners and we are very pleased to expect to be able to make further announcements later this year. “GLL has already invested millions of pounds in green technologies over the last few years and these latest investments are another important part of our journey”