Who we are

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 believed in the importance of social enterprises in addressing society’s toughest social issues and understood the benefits of bringing together the best of business with the best of social enterprise to create greater impact. Those beliefs remain the essence of SBT today.

SBT was born out of the aim to bridge the gap between large corporations and social enterprises, to help build new connections and boost the social impact being delivered. We are an organisation that achieves that by bringing together nine outstanding corporate partners to help scale up and deliver business advice to a select group of some of the UK’s most high-potential social enterprises and charities.

“With the right support - successful, thriving social enterprises can scale, become more sustainable and grow to ultimately reach many more people.” Adele Blakebrough MBE, CEO Social Business Trust

We have a team of talented, diverse, and highly capable people who collaborate with our chosen social enterprises and help them achieve their growth ambitions and purpose. This includes full-time staff, trustees, and volunteers who each bring their own flair, passion, and experiences to the table.

The volunteers from our corporate partners find that working for SBT has not only been a refreshing and rewarding experience, but they are also able to practise and improve their wide skillset while gaining inspiration from a new network of contacts.

We are currently working with 12 inspiring and dedicated social enterprises have been carefully selected from thousands of potential candidates. Organisations in our portfolio tackle social problems ranging from educational disadvantage and employability through to social care.

With the help of SBT and its contributors, these social enterprises have been able to develop and refine their business plans, build relationships with our corporate partners, and achieve impressive growth. We also offer support to additional social enterprises through our SBT Design programme, giving support to create a plan for growth.

Since 2010 we have had the privilege of helping the lives of 2.7 million people via the cash grants we give to our portfolio and the professional support we enable through our leading corporate partnerships. We look forward to changing many more millions of lives, creating greater impact for a better society.

Latest

Problem shared is problem halved: SBT and Thomson Reuters hold challenge event

Last week Thomson Reuters hosted our latest event, where over 50 of their employees showed energy and insight on the day working alongside representatives from the charities and social enterprises.
Responding to the call to support children and families

Many families are finding it tough this winter. Rising food and energy costs are digging into household budgets, leaving a lot of parents wondering if they’ll be able to buy gifts for their children. Here, SBT's Kendelle Wray writes about a campaign that's bringing warmth, relief and joy to many.
Discussing diversity and inclusion

Progress has been made over the past 20 years but there’s a long way to go to ensure workplaces are more diverse and inclusive. This was the message from three panellists at an event hosted by Social Business Trust and LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group).
Corporate support goes long way

“Corporate workers aren’t always aware of the range of skills and deep knowledge they have acquired in their various roles,” said Luke Seal from Thomson Reuters. “Skills and knowledge that can be put to great use when volunteering.”

What we do
Our corporate partners

We work with world-class business leaders.
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.
The difference we make
Joanne Hay, CEO
Alex McAleavy, Senior Investment Manager
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.
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.
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.