These London-based social enterprises attest to the idea that's constantly circulated that the United Kingdom is the hub of the social entrepreneurship. It's astounding to see the way that community and opportunity can sometimes go hand in hand. While the online social networking of social enterprise and social business is quite tight-knit and supportive, nothing truly beats the real thing, that is, having people around you that you can bounce ideas off of, get legitimate business advice from and, maybe, just keep it simple, take your mind off of your work and have a pint or two at a local British pub.
The ideas are there; just look at these London-based social enterprises and see how they make the local become global.
74 London-Based Social Enterprises
The United Kingdom is a Hub of For-Purpose Entrepreneurship:
Tiana Reid — Jan 13, 2013 — Social Good
74
Fair-Trade Celeb Fashion
The Emma Watson 2011 People Tree Collection is Clothing With a Conscience
73
Disabled Artisan Jewelry Collections
The People Tree Wheelchair Campaign with Bombolulu
72
Explosive Ethical Jewelry
'peaceBOMB' Bracelets Embrace War-Inflicted Cities
71
Ethical Engagement Rings
Ingle & Rhode Uses Conflict-Free Diamonds and Fair Trade Gold
70
Olympic-Themed Artillery Bracelets
Peacebomb Upcycles Shrapnel from Laos into Jewelry
69
Earthy Ethical Fashion
Emma Watson Launches Green-Chic Clothing Line With People Tree
68
Charitable Coffee Shops
The Movement Cafe is an Artsy Space That Hosts Local Performers
67
Well-Wasted Cuisine
FoodCycle Uses Surplus to Feed Local Communities
66
Alternative Food Networks
The People's Supermarket Focuses on Community Development
65
Vegan Brogue Shoes
Bourgeois Boheme Sells Ethical Footwear in a Range of Hip Styles
64
Fair Trade Lifestyle Brands
People Tree is a Stylish Social Business Spearhead
63
Wacky Wellness Organizations
Smoothie Bike Hire Takes a Pedal-Powered Approach to Positive Change
62
Eco-Friendly Designer Chocolate
Divine Chocolate in Ghana Makes Sweet Fair Trade Treats
61
Affordable Eco Fashion
'Pickled Green Clothing' Makes Sustainable Affordable Accessible
60
Trash-Utilizing Umbrellas
The EcoBrolly Is A Recycled Newspaper Parasol
59
Fashion-Savvy Adaptive Clothing
Xeni Designs Pieces That Flatter Rather than Frustrate
58
Like-for-Like Businesses
'One' Products Fund Similar Items in the Developing World
57
Pitch Black Dinners
'Dans le Noir' Lets You Eat in the Dark, Employs Blind Servers
56
Neighborhood Crowdfunding Websites
Spacehive is a Fundraising Platform for Public Space Projects
55
Eco Chic Lifestyle Magazines
'Positive Luxury' Helps Customers Make Ethical Fashion Choices
54
Fair Trade Artwork
Ethical Art Supports Maasai Children in Need Through Education
53
Explosive Suit Accessories
These 'PeaceBOMB' Cufflinks Will Blow You Away
52
Digital Therapy Apps
Buddy is a Start-Up Supporting Health Services
51
Fair Trade Underwear
Pants to Poverty is a Hip Social Enterprise That Raises “Underwearness"
50
Creative Upcycled Festival Sites
Industrius is a Change Engine Transforming Waste in London
49
Strategists for Change
Junxion Strategy offers Social Purpose and Sustainability Management
48
Social Business Logistics
London-Based 'Connection Crew' Hires Ex-Homeless People
47
Impact Measurement for Creatives
Design:Effect Offers Social Good Metrics for Crafty Entrepreneurs
46
Social Innovation Habitats
The Hub Network Helps to Incubate Ideas for Change Around the World
45
Fresh Perspective Posts
The Social Business Visit to the FoodCycle Cambridge Hub
44
Creative Business Incubators
Cockpit Arts is a Social Enterprise for 'Designer-Makers'
43
Collaborative Creation Gigs
Good for Nothing Brings People Together for Fast-Track 'Doing'
42
Youth Development Programs
The Spring Project is a Radical Employment Effort in London
41
Ethical Cocoa Gadget Helpers
The Divine Chocolate App Shares the Story of the Farmer-Owned Company
40
Emissions-Free Delivery
GnewtCargo is a Logistics Organization Using an Electric Fleet of Vehicles
39
Virtuous Event Celebrations
The 'A Good Week' Launch is on Its Way So Prep for Fun
38
Ethical Interior Design
MUMO Gives Native Artisans the Opportunity to Preserve Their Culture
37
Chic Fair Trade Clothing
Amana Provides Training and Jobs for Women in Morocco
36
Social Responsibility Strategists
'A Very Good Company' Offers Communications for Positive Change
35
Celeb Chef Apprenticeship Charities
Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall Blends Fine Dining & Education
34
Purpose-Driven Printing Professions
Social Imprints Offers Employment to At-Risk Individuals
33
Fearless Social Innovation Festivals
A Good Week Celebrates Bettering the World
32
Self-Funded Artist Charities
Candid Arts Trust Supports Creators in London's Borough of Islington
31
Virtuously Veritable Dining
The Hoxton Apprentice Serves Feel-Good Meals
30
Healthy Community Sales
'A Moveable Feast' Focuses on Arabs & Bangladeshis Who Live in SW1, London
29
Youth-Oriented Finances
MyBnk Teaches Money Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
28
Chic Carbon Neutral Aqua Companies
Belu Water is an Ethical Bottled Brand in the UK
27
Accessible Loans
My Home Finance is a Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneer
26
Altruism-Enabling Platforms
Eclectic Productions is a UK Social Enterprise With Inspiring Projects
25
Social, Eco Mail
Pivotal Packaging Offers Supportive Job Opportunities and Greener Services
24
Social Enterprise Financing
'Big Issue Invest' is a Social Business that Invests in Others
23
Ethical Gastropubs
The Duke of Cambridge Serves Organic and Local Foods
22
Innovative Training Centers
Striding Out Supports Young Social Entrepreneurs
21
Ethical Ad Firms
Do Good Advertising is Socially and Environmentally Conscious
20
Social Change Investments
The Ethical Property Company Provides Affordable Offices
19
For-Profit Social Bus Services
HCT Group is a UK Transportation-Providing Beneficial Business
18
Fair Trade African Soda
Ubuntu Cola is a First for the United Kingdom
17
Digital Rural Medicine
mDiagnostica Leverages Mobile Tech for More Efficient Healthcare
16
Crowdsourced Peace-Promoting Anthems
Peace Mix UK is Creating a Unique Musical Opportunity
15
Professional Couchsurfing Communities
Startup Stay Helps Entrepreneurs Find Easy Accomodations
14
Pioneering Apprenticeship Programs
Fifteen Restaurant Offers Opportunities to Disadvantaged Youth
13
Alternative Loan Products
Fair Finance Offers Affordable Banking to Urban Populations
12
Life Lesson Gurus
The Amazings is a Social Enterprise Harnessing the Skills of Retirees
11
Fair Trade Bulk Apparel
Epona Clothing Supplies Ethical Tees for Charities, Schools & Businesses
10
Computer Cradle Campaigns
‘Saving Bletchley Park' is Restoring the Origin of the PC
9
Socially Accessible Artwork
Art-Switch Lets Clients and Businesses Borrow First
8
Community-Focused Palestinian Produce
Zaytoun Imports Organic and Fair Trade Products
7
Technological Literacy Programs
‘121 Women and Computers' Teaches Valuable Employment
6
Flying Pig Pitches
Good Deals UK Brings Unconventional Voting to the 2011 Social Finance Forum
5
Social Business Info Portals
Via3 Offers Publicity and Networking for Ethical Companies
4
Not-for-Profit Development Programs
ACT Training Services is a Social Enterprise for Professionals
3
Community Enterprise Investors
Adventure Capital Fund Aims to Improve U.K. Neighborhoods
2
Altruistic Apprenticeships
Capital Conflict Management is an Anti-Violence Initiative in the UK
1
High End Fair Trade Quality Chocolate
Related Ideas
100 Social Enterprise Innovations
From Paradigm-Shifting Marine Organizations to Accessible Loans
Creativity-Charged Cafes
BASE camp by Nest One is a Cutting-Edge Workspace
Faux Candy Bar Shops
The 100 Percent Chocolate Cafe Will Make Your Mouth Water
Eclectic Ethical Fashion
Upcycled 'Adamah Stein' Designs by Artisans in Senegal and Paris
20 Ethical Jewelry Innovations
From Beer Can Bracelets to Humanitarian Product Developers
Fairly Traded Bohemian Bags
The JADEtribe Line is Sustainable, Handmade and Natural
Metallic Hair Editorials
The Fashion Gone Rogue 'Metal Heart' Photoshoot Stars Alexandra Martynova
Global Street Art Sneakers
BucketFeet Shoes Support Artists and Empower Children
22 Social Good Apps
Downloads to Turn Your Smartphone into a Device for Change
Ex-Con Bakeries
Dave's Killer Bread is a Quirky Social Business Giving Back with Gumption
Rebranded All-American Sportswear
READ WALL is Expanding to Include More Stylish Menswear Pieces
Over-the-Top Accessories
The Shourouk Rhaiem Jewelry and Handbag Collection is Glamorous
Woodworked Accessories
The Dania Chelminsky 'Sea of Trimmed Rings' Collection is Chic
Vivien Johnston, Founder and Managing Director of Fifi Bijoux (INTERVIEW)
Luxury Ethical Jewelry
Employment-Providing Shoes
The Nisolo Footwear Line Creates Sustainable Jobs
Handmade Food-Decorated Jewelry
Etsy User 'SouZouCreations' Makes Appetizing Rings
Learning-Enabling Rucksacks
Purchasing a Stone+Cloth Backpack Provides a Child With an Education
Pay-As-You-Go Renewable Energy
Angaza Design Makes Clean Energy Accessible Off the Grid
Sustainable Handwoven Totes
Bundubags is a Line of Bags Made from Recycled Cargostrapping
Social Entrepreneur Infographics
The 'Understanding Social Enterprise' Shows a Growing Industry
Colorful Childlike Jewelry
The Apres Ski 2012 Collection is Youthful and Retro
$20-Per-Month Homes
Each WorldHaus is Built in 10 Days and is Designed for the World's Rural Poor
Enchanted Ancient Accessories
The Alessandra Murgia Nocturama Jewelry Collection is Magic-Inspired
Chic Poverty-Combating Fashion
HALF UNITED Pledges Half of Its Profits to Charitable Causes
Inspired Altruistic Vino Brands
Cultivate Wines is a Nonprofit That Gives Back
Ethical and Empowering Accessories
Tukula Provides Opportunity and Hope for Artisans in Uganda
Twisting Cork Coffee Shops
The Dark Design Group Summer Cafe is Temporary and Budget-Proofed
Upscale Bike Stores
The Rapha Cycle Club is a Mod Haven for Exercise Enthusiasts
Vegan Brogue Shoes
Bourgeois Boheme Sells Ethical Footwear in a Range of Hip Styles
Delicious Munificent Munchies
Rubies in the Rubble Empower Women and Tackle Food Waste with Jams
Entrepreneurship-Enabling Crafts
Buying a Prosperity Candle Helps Women Refugees Open a Business
Leadership Learning Institutes
The Social Enterprise Academy in Scotland Delivers the Goods
Graphic Eco-Friendly Skateboards
Bamboo SK8 Manufactures Decks and Longboards from Bamboo
Interactive Sentient Jewelry
Keio University Wearable Robot Rings are Gloriously Geeky
Chic Cannabis Cafes
The Hi/Lo by Workshop of Wonders Allows Visitors to Escape
Health-Promoting Camping Gear
Kammok Sells Hammocks to Provide Mosquito Nets in Africa
Poverty-Focused Innovation Labs
Proximity Designs is a Myanmar-Based Non-Profit Enterprise
Rainforest Artisans
Chick Boss Jewelry Creates Employment Opportunities for Women in Guatemala
Lily Lapenna, Founder and CEO of MyBnk (INTERVIEW)
Financial Education Social Enterprise for Youth
29 H2O-Supporting Social Enterprises
Commemorating World Water Day 2012 with Innovation
Customizable Charity-Driven Accessories
C4 Belts are Socially Conscious and Eco-Friendly
32 Volunteer-Supporting Social Enterprises
From Altruistic Law Firms to Fair Trade Underwear
Fair Trade Weaving
WomenCraft Offers Ethical Employment in East Africa's Mafiga Matatu Area
Experience-Creating Cleaners
The Eco Laundry Room Has a Cafe, Kid's Play Area and Free WiFi
Self-Sustaining Social Enterprises
Kinyei Fosters Independent Entrepreneurship in Cambodia
Offensive Retail Stores
The Hitler Clothing Outlet Opens in India
Minimalist Curvilinear Cafes
Nana’s Green Tea by Kamitopen Design Embodies Tranquility
Online Urban Activism Platforms
Brickstarter is a Web Service Connecting Activists and Bureaucracy
Gender-Based Violence Support
SHE WILL is a Project of the Acclaimed Global Enrichment Foundation
Canopied Ceiling Cafes
The Play Pot Restaurant is Inspired by Street Venders
Micro-Volunteering Platforms
Raise5 Enables the Charitable Giving of Your Time and Talents
Wasted Apple Beverages
Batlow Premium Cider Stems from the Australian Co-Operative
Social Crowdfunding Platforms
The Buzzbnk App Helps Ventures Gather Support and Raise Funds
Rotated Interior Coffee Houses
D'espresso Sideways Library Cafe is a New Spin on Coffee Shop Decor
Alok Appadurai, Founder of Fed by Threads (INTERVIEW)
Providing Meals to Americans in Need
Group Solar Deals
One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) Helps Neighbours Get Discounts on Green Energy
Community-Connecting Commerce
Cause.it is a Free Mobile App Pushing for Change
Personal Development Diners
Ground Level Cafe Offers Training to At-Risk Youth in Toronto
Community-Enhancing Natural Beverages (Update)
Runa Focused Energy Drinks Fund Development
Anti-Mafia Co-Operative Products
The Ethicando Store in Paris Stocks Fairtrade Food and Designs
Youth Development Programs
The Spring Project is a Radical Employment Effort in London
Youth Empowering Tech Workshops
Coderise Wants to Teach Kids in Latin America How to Code
Online Education Charities
Brightside Offers Mentoring and Tutoring on the Web
Beneficial Brand Strategy Firms
Briteweb is a Boutique Design Agency Working with Non-Profits
Caged Communal Cafes
The Scarpetta Dining Pavilion Is Chic And Elegant
Vibrant Opportunity Dining
Cafe Create Employs People Who Have Been Homeless
Astronomical Hand Accessories
The Nine Planets Ring is Stunningly Cosmic
Stuff-Sharing Social Enterprises
Unstash Fosters Collaborative Consumption for Sustainability
Digital Literacy Agencies
New Found Network Employs Youth to Create Nonprofit Campaigns
Tourist-Attracting Sustainable Infrastructure
Corn Cow Inc. Improves New York's Rural Subsistence
Market-Based Poverty Solutions
Khosla Impact Invests in Products and Service for the World's Poor
Empowering Bakeries
The Bread Maker in the UK Employees People with Learning Disabilities
Sustainable Capitalism Courses
The School for Creative Startups Provides Social Business Training
Ajay Godhwani, Founder & CEO of Intuary (INTERVIEW)
Verbally for iPad
Social Enterprise Garages
Auto22 in Gravesend Supports Youth Through Employment
Beneficial Online Marketplaces
Buy With Heart Provides Marketing Resources for Social Ventures
Inclusive Economic Development
Aavishkaar Invests in Rural Communities Through Entrepreneurs
Teen-Oriented Crisis Text Lines
Do Something is a Social Impact Organization Collaborating Online
Health-Focused Hygiene Cosmetics
MeSoap Provides Supplies and Funds Sanitation Initiatives
Kind Community Catering
Potluck Cafe Offers Employment in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
Lon Wong, Co-Founder of Unstash (INTERVIEW)
Collaborative Consumption Platform
Supply Chain Integrating Loans
Kinara Capital is a Social Enterprise Supporting Startups in India
Fearless Social Innovation Festivals
A Good Week Celebrates Bettering the World
Passionate Internet Communities
Phinklife is a Social Platform and Non-Profit Organization
Unemployment Crisis Reality Shows
Get to Work is Unscripted and Depicts the American Jobless
Speech-Enabling Apps
Verbally for iPad Allows Users to Communicate with Friends and Family
Crime-Preventing Bistro Programs
San Francisco's Old Skool Cafe Employs At-Risk Youth
Beneficial Business Locating Programs
The Social Impact App Uses GPS to Find Responsible Retail
Alternative Micro-Investment Platforms
InVenture Helps Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries
Community Funding Platforms
Smallknot Helps You Invest in Small Businesses in Your Neighborhood
Benevolent Business Training
On Purpose is a Program for Tomorrow's Social Enterprise Leaders
15 Malnutrition-Tackling Businesses
From Well-Wasted Cuisine to Organic Food Giveaways
Opportunity-Creating Social Enterprises
'People Can' Focuses on Building Strong Communities
Joanne Gouaux, Founder and President of Penelope Poet (INTERVIEW)
Socially Responsible Jewelry
Altruism-Enabling Platforms
Eclectic Productions is a UK Social Enterprise With Inspiring Projects
CharitySub (INTERVIEW)
An Online Platform for Simplified Giving
Local Food Biz Connectors
Sustaination Makes It Easy and Efficient to Get Healthy Food
Online Microfinance Communities
This Jeff Stewart Keynote Talks of Character in Capitalism
Socially Responsible Smartphone Donations
The 'Oven Bits Instead' App Promotes Giving to Charity
Community-Driven Agencies
The Burton Street Foundation Enhances the Quality of Life in Sheffield
Social Purpose Gardens
'Landscaping With Heart' Employs People with Mental Illnesses in Vancouver
Dan Gigante, Founder and President of You and Who (INTERVIEW)
Conscious Wearable Art
Camille van Gestel, Co-Founder and Business Director of WakaWaka (INTERVIEW)
Safe Light Sources
Altruistic Organic Fertilizer Technology
Byoearth is a Social Venture Preserving the Planet
Life-Enhancing Senior Enterprises
'Action For Elders' is a CIC Tackling the Challenges of Old Age
Ethical Sourcing Enablers
The Collaborative Group is a New Social Enterprise Out of Chicago
Socially Responsible Consulting Companies
The TREES Group Partners With Disadvantaged Businesses
Creative Power Forums
The Social Business Conference 2012 Featured Muhammad Yunus
For-Profit Social Bus Services
HCT Group is a UK Transportation-Providing Beneficial Business
Impact-Driven Cookstove Designers
Prakti Design Produces Innovative Cookstoves for the Poor
Stacey Horowitz, Founder of Shopping for a Change (INTERVIEW)
Supporting Global Artisans
Culture-Based Clinics
'My Time' Helps Fight Depression Through Person-Centered Approaches
Transportation Industry-Sustaining Loans
Own Your Own Boda Serves Taxi Drivers in Uganda
Local Time Banking Communities
Hour Exchange Portland Has Residents Trading Services
Opportunity-Spurring Delivery Services
TurnAround Couriers Hires At-Risk Youth in Toronto
Altruistic Apprenticeships
Capital Conflict Management is an Anti-Violence Initiative in the UK