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

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.