Fostering social progress

As proud as we are of our success in promoting companies’ expansion plans, we also believe that business can play a critical role in supporting societal improvement. This is the rationale for our Social Innovation Pioneers programme, now in its third year of existence.

This year we supported 16 of the most exciting and promising social businesses across the UK. Over the course of 12 months, Pioneers received a comprehensive package of support, including a Deloitte relationship team, a series of events and clinic-based workshops, pro-bono support, supply chain advice and joint venture opportunities. In total, Deloitte invested more than 5,000 hours of professional support, and delivered over 20 different pro-bono projects to support the growth and development of the Pioneers. The group reported 38 percent average growth in revenue and 80 percent of Pioneers increased employment in the period.

We have also seen a number of the Pioneers enter our supply chain, with Blue Sky employees working in our kitchens, Belu water being sold in our canteens and Micro-Tyco supporting our graduate recruitment. The programme has also been recognised by the prime minister’s Big Society Award for its support to the growth of leading social enterprises across the UK.

Case study

Leeds Empties: bringing 5,000 empty homes back into use

Leeds Empties is a social enterprise born with the objective of bringing the estimated 5,000 empty homes in the city back into use through the Empty Homes Doctor service. The organisation is going from strength to strength and, with our help, it secured a further £100,000 from Leeds City Council to continue to run the service.

Case study

Vi-Ability: tackling social issues head on

Vi-Ability helps people of all ages to develop skills in commercial sports management. The organisation has benefited from the insight and expertise of Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, and received advice on developing a 12-month growth plan for the business.

Social Progress Index

The complexity of the big societal challenges demands collaboration between private, public and civil sectors. In recognition of this, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms are working with Social Progress Imperative (SPI), and leaders from academia and other organisations, to drive cross-sector collaboration and raise the global debate on how progress can really be measured. The creation of the Social Progress Index, which focuses solely on social and environmental indicators, looks to provide a more holistic view on the issues that matter most. It takes a wider snapshot of a country’s health and focuses on areas beyond traditional economic measures. As a result, investment decisions can be further focused, allowing all sectors to better contribute to building a stronger society.