What we do

Our approach

SBT’s mission is to support high growth potential social enterprises to scale-up their impact. We do that by investing professional support and cash grants from our leading corporate partners in a carefully selected portfolio of social enterprises.

Since 2010, we have positively impacted the lives of nearly 3 million people.

Our programmes

We work with established social businesses with revenues of c.£1 million or more that have strong growth potential. Our aim is to help develop a number of social enterprises to national scale or significance.

Currently we work with a great portfolio, selected from reviews of over 1,000, tackling social problems including educational disadvantage and elderly care. Additional social enterprises are in our SBT Design programme, getting support to create a plan for growth.

Our story

Social Business Trust was started in 2010 by Sir Damon Buffini, founding partner of Permira, the global investment fund and Adele Blakebrough MBE, a leading social entrepreneur.

They share a belief in the importance of social enterprise in addressing society's problems and in the benefits that working in partnership with business can deliver.

Latest

Crossing the line: children as young as seven targeted by ‘county lines’ gangs

You’ve heard the phrase used often enough on news reports. The word “scourge” is never far away. You might have read about it online or in a newspaper or seen a video in your feed – without perhaps always grasping what the term really means. Here, Magid El-Amin from Catch22 discusses the pernicious form of criminal exploitation that is county lines, and the work his organisation is doing to combat it.
The revolving prison door of fixed term recalls. There’s a better way

Given the large number of people on probation that are being recalled back into prison for reasons of non-compliance, rather than because they’ve committed another offence, the questions must be asked: Is there a more proactive and preventative approach that will better support these individuals while they are trying to re-engage with the world? Is there a better way? Here, Miranda Shanks from Catch22 offers a way forward
Simon says ‘show don’t tell’ when it comes to mentoring

Before becoming a volunteer mentor with SBT, Simon was lending his time and experience to many causes. He coached water polo at his old school and, while he admits to not being the best cook, he would prepare meals at a food kitchen. But it wasn’t until he attended a joint SBT and Permira Foundation event that he realised how useful his professional skills could be.
Laura's leap into secondment at SBT

On secondment from EY, Laura has worked at SBT for the past nine months. As her final day nears, she offers us an insight into the good work being done by SBT social enterprises and how she's been able to support them with her skills and experience.

What we do
Our corporate partners

We work with a committed group of leading corporates and business professionals who provide practical skills and expertise in support of our charities and social enterprises
Our approach
Types of volunteering

You can volunteer your time in many ways to make a difference to the SBT portfolio and increase the impact they deliver.
Joanne Hay, CEO
The difference we make
Register interest in volunteering

We couldn't do what we do without talented people giving their time and energy! If you'd like to volunteer your skills to help social enterprises and charities scale-up, please get in touch.
Alex McAleavy, Senior Investment Manager
A Decade of Difference

Social Business Trust marked 10 years of supporting the growth of social enterprises with A Decade of Difference report. The report showcases some of the impact the corporate partners and the social enterprises have achieved together.
Setting Up for Growth

A member of our portfolio, London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), is dedicated to providing high-quality care and education for young children across London regardless of income level. June O'Sullivan MBE, CEO of LEYF explains how Social Business Trust has been instrumental in their journey.