Big Issue awarded Social Enterprise Mark

Tuesday 01st of June 2010

The Big Issue has been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark and has begun displaying it on the magazine’s front cover.  The mark, which indicates that a business fulfills criteria relating to social impact and business practices, has been awarded to over 160 other businesses including The Eden Project, Hill Holt Wood, GLL and HCT Group, however The Big Issue is the highest profile social enterprise to have received the recognition. 

Recognising the role of the Mark in endorsing The Big Issue’s social enterprise principles and increasing awareness of social enterprise among consumers, John Bird was behind the Mark from day one and announced his intention to apply for the Mark at its launch in February. 

“I’ve been a keen supporter of the Mark since its launch because I believe it’s important that we have a means of identifying and measuring businesses which operate within this exciting and growing sector. The Big Issue is one of the world’s foremost social enterprises, hence I’m pleased we now hold the Mark and I’m proud to display it on the magazine and on our website.” 

Lucy Findlay, Managing Director of the Social Enterprise Mark Company said; “I am thrilled to welcome The Big Issue on board. It is one of the best known social enterprises not only in the UK but in the world, and it has done a lot to put social enterprise on the consumer agenda. We’re thrilled to see the Social Enterprise Mark displayed so prominently, and believe that the Mark will help The Big Issue to promote its values by clearly identifying it as an organisation working for people and planet.”  

For further information in the Social Enterprise Mark click here