Introducing: SBT Rainbow

Social Business Trust (SBT) and its nine corporate partners have come together to help the social enterprises within SBT’s portfolio to respond to the evolving situation in the UK in the light of the COVID-19 outbreak. The ‘SBT Rainbow’ group will aim to provide rapid solutions to business continuity issues in the enterprises it supports and establish ways to divert resources to those that need them most.

SBT is a charity whose mission is to support high-potential social enterprises and charities to accelerate and grow their impact, using the world-class business expertise of its corporate partners.

SBT’s corporate partners, Bain, Charles Russell Speechlys, Clifford Chance, EY, Getronics, Permira, Permira Debt Managers, Refinitiv and Thomson Reuters have all committed their support to SBT. This support includes the provision of personal protective equipment, access to supply networks, operational support, legal advice and financial modelling.

The social enterprises in the SBT portfolio include those operating front line operations, such as London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) which is providing childcare for key workers, Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS) which provides meals and provisions to Hertfordshire’s vulnerable adults, and Refettorio Felix that normally provides a drop-in centre for the socially isolated in West London, but has now switched to a takeaway lunch service.

Joanne Hay, SBT Portfolio Director, said,

‘We recognise that COVID-19 poses huge challenges. SBT Rainbow has been set up to provide fast-acting support from corporate partners. We’re already making a difference – not just with business continuity but ensuring that we keep our front-line key workers safe too with the right equipment and volunteers. Together we’re confident we can help organisations through this difficult period.’

Adele Blakebrough, SBT CEO, said,

'I’m enormously proud of how our partners, our social enterprises and the SBT team have come together to rise to the challenges caused by Covid-19.’

If you’d like to find out more about SBT Rainbow or register to volunteer, please email [email protected]

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