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
Festival-Inspired Luxury Fashion Campaigns
Burberry Celebrates the Energy of British Music Culture
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Playful Creative Design Billboards
Canva Unveils 3D Billboards to Spotlight its Capabilities
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
AI Startup Planning Tools
Startup Strategy Hub Provides AI-Driven Insights And Strategic Guidance
City-Themed Luxury Fashion Campaigns
Burberry’s Back to the City Campaign Celebrates London
Stock Exchange Fashion Shows
L'OFFICIEL Organized a Novel Runway Presentation
Community Run Hub Activations
New Balance London Run House opens at Somerset House for marathon
Renewed Urban Rooftops
The Heineken Seoul Rooftop Turns Unused Rooftops into Community Spaces
Gourmet Lunch Pop-Ups
Uber Eats' Sandwich Studio Elevated the Classic Combo Meal
Brighton Retail Launch Ads
IKEA Brighton Uses Seagull Splatter Campaign to Win Local Attention
Nature-Centered City Campaigns
Visit Seattle Launches 'Mother Nature’s City'
Social-First Local Shopping Schemes
Shop Local by Tiktok Shop Makes Homegrown Goods Accessible
Friendly Fandom Campaigns
Heineken Kicked Off Fans Have More Friends with a Fun Social Experiment
Boundary-Pushing AR Outdoor Exhibitions
Coventry Debuts the 'This is Me, This is Us' Exhibition
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Experiential Student Activations
Just Eat's Hey U Up Campaign Coincides with Freshers’ Week
Creator-Focused Monetization Platforms
Headquarterz Bridges Social Media and OTT Distribution
Beauty Entrepreneurs Growth Studios
Breakout Beauty UK Represents a Strategic Initiative
Business Idea Generators
Crazy Business Idea Generator Lets Users Vote and Share Ideas Socially
Multitasking Volunteer Initiatives
Heineken Fan Volunteers Applies a Rarely Used Employee Benefit
Senior Living Innovation Hubs
The AGE-WELL Innovation Studio Highlights Age-in-Place Solutions
Mindful Preloved Fashion Platforms
WYSE London Preloved Helps Consumers Buy and Sell
Startup Idea Newsletters
Easy Startup Ideas Delivers Business Roadmaps For Aspiring Founders
University Startup Accelerators
UC Davis Launches Life Science Venture Program With Funding
American Running Brand Pop-Ups
Bandit Running Opened Its London Marathon Pop-Up and Capsule Drop
Sofa-Centered Marketing Activations
This Sofa Club Activation Encouraged Consumers to Take a Seat
Vibrant Public London Fountains
Neon Introduces a Sculptural Water Feature in London
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Adult Social Clubs
Social Club 150 Offers In-Person Events to Connect Adults in Their 40s - 60s+
Painting-Inspired Auto-Promoting Initiatives
XPENG UK Hosted the Visionary Art Challenge
Experiential Running Shoe Shops
House of SportsShoes Merges Digital Presence & Physical Experience
Indian Market Support Programs
Germany Launches Its INDIA DESK Berlin for Indian Startups
AI-Powered Beauty Discovery Platforms
MyLondonBeauty Debuts Mobile Applications & an AI Assistant
Community-Centric E-Commerce Initiatives
MyCommunity.Today Delivers Accessible Digital Tools
Colleague-Connecting Pubs
The Office by Heineken Celebrates the Best Part of Work Culture
Sovereign AI Startup Support
UK Launches Its Sovereign AI Fund to Back Domestic AI Startups
Literary Tourism Innovations
Jane Austen Festival Launches Character Trail Through Bath Streets
Community Sports Pitches
EA SPORTS FC and LALIGA Opened Its Grassroots Soccer Pitch in the Bronx
On-Campus Business Incubators
San Francisco Bay University is Debuting Innovate Bay
Startup Networking Platforms
'Solution' Connects the Global Startup Ecosystem in One Digital Hub
Idea Repository Books
Business Ideas Database Curates Proven Business Opportunities At Scale
Heritage-Inspired Home Retail Stores
The Laura Ashley Brand Opens a Flagship Outlet in the UK
Immersive Tech Retail Experiences
The Latest Xiaomi Store in London Showcases Tech and Lifestyle
Beauty Entrepreneurship Incubators
Estée Lauder Companies Expanded Its India Innovation Initiative
Embedded Lending Platforms
Adyen Launched SMB Financing Through Platforms
Marketing Firm Innovation Hubs
Stagwell is Gearing Up to Open Its New Headquarters in Singapore
Artisan Coffee Commuter Cafes
The First Grind Cafe Will Open in London This Month
University Startup Pipelines
EpicenterU Helps Students Build Scalable Ventures Across the Delta
Bright Brand Identity Updates
Big Hug Becomes a Purpose-Driven Brand with Bold Rebrand by JDO
Sustainable Solar-Powered Beers
Oakham Sun City is Brewed Using Power from a Rooftop Solar Array
Community Event Hubs
Annex House is a First-of-Its-Kind Physical Gathering Space from Usal Project
Healthy Eating-Focused Franchises
Project LeanNation is Actively Expanding in the United States
Adaptive Workspace Designs
Twobo’s SALT HQ Highlights Material Reuse in a Community-Ready Office
African Creator Economy Platforms
The Sony Innovation Fund is Supporting the Work of Twiva
Green-Powered AI Districts
Uttar Pradesh Plans a Lucknow AI City Fueled By Clean Energy
Social Media Hubs
Unified Socials Centralizes Management Across Multiple Platforms
Manchester Music Events
Keep Walking Live: Manchester Activates Venues Across the City
Startup Asset Marketplaces
SimpleClosure Enables Founders to Sell Company Assets After Shutdown
Marathon Performance Hubs
The PUMA NITRO Lab Transforms ICA into a Multi-Day Running Activation
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Cafe-Focused Consulting Services
Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Runs the '7 Steps to Success' Program
Local Social Networks
NearYou Connects Neighbors And Strengthens Local Community Bonds
Europe-Focused Global Leader Campaigns
SIT Debuts 'Step into the Map. Every Street Teaches'
Gaming Startup Accelerator Programmes
iGB L!VE Announces iGB Startups Accelerator and Pitch iGB
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Wealth Gap Pop-Ups
Oxfam's Pie Society Served the People’s Pie & Mash and The Upper Crust Special
Indie Maker Directories
IndieHub Connects Indie Makers With Tools, Experts, And Growth Resources
Athlete Career Transition Resources
UK Sports Institute Partners with Create to Support Athletes
Women-Focused Sports Stores
The Women’s Sports Store Can Be Accessed Digitally in the UK
Local Social Chats
#allyouneedislove Lets You Connect And Talk With People Around You
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
All-in-One Productivity Hubs
Utility Hub Offers Secure, Browser-Based Tools For Work and School
Startup Discovery Hubs
Launching.today Showcases New Projects from Entrepreneurs and Builders
Community Experience Hubs
Gradual Brings Events, Content, and Conversations Into One Platform
Centralized Port Innovation Centers
BlueTechPort Expands and Supports the Blue Economy
Professional Connection-Promoting Campaigns
TheLi.st Spotlights 10 Minutes of Togetherness
Kid-Designed Retail Bags
East of England Co-op sells bags supporting local communities
Scottish Tourism Campaigns
VisitScotland Used NYC Tartan Week to Drive Scotland Tourism In The USA
Gamified Destination Tourism
Connecticut Launches Rewards Platform for Local Exploration
Seasonal Reservation Street Installations
Uber UK Launches 'Reserve' by Mother
On-Site Employee Gyms
EGYM Hussle Opens New London Headquarters
Refurbished Neurodiverse Student Hubs
Shrub Oak International School Refurbished Its Student Hub
Real-Time Sharing Apps
MomentsHub Lets You Discover And Share Nearby Experiences Instantly
Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces
Futurpreneur Marketplace Emerges as a Timely Initiative
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Empathy-First Loyalty Playbooks
SumUp's CEO Highlights Main Street Tactics For Tech Loyalty
Idea Collaboration Hubs
Idearify Helps Users Create, Collaborate, And Protect Their Ideas
Creative Community Platforms
Folks Creates A Space For Product Makers To Share Ideas And Connect
Regional Startup Accelerator Programs
Plug and Play Launches Limassol Accelerator in Cyprus
Modern London Co-Working Spaces
Anomaly Designs the Apex Co-Working Space in London
Social Finance Ecosystems
Venmo blends payments, rewards, and social discovery features
Manchester Street Legacy Clothing
The Northern Quarter Series Channels Football Heritage
Local Shop Portrait Campaigns
Coca-Cola Highlights Bosses Campaign Celebrating 125 Years in UK
Startup Revival Platforms
failedUps Lets Users Discover And Revive Abandoned Startup Opportunities
Idea Discovery Platforms
ProblemSolver Hub Helps Identify Market Gaps And Business Opportunities
Rebranded Women-Focused Organizations
Dress for Success Worldwide Launches 'Success Starts Now'
Strategic Reward-Focused Retail Campaigns
WeShop Launches 'Shopping Starts Here' Campaign
Local Event Planners
Knowhere Helps You Discover and Attend Local Events With Friends
Creative-Empowering Sparkling Wines
Spritz 21 Launches its New Product at Hexham's Tannery Pub
Platform Infrastructure Projects
Enviromates Launches the Enviromates.earth Platform
Targeted Startup Incentive Programs
Sugar Land Launches the 'Sugar Land Starts Up Innovation Fund'
Idea Validation Platforms
Idea Kiln Lets Creators Share Ideas And Gather Feedback Efficiently
Repurposed Community Hubs
Mooie Buurt Adds Value to Venues & Unites Locals During Off-Peak Hours
App Ideation Platforms
AppIdeaHub Helps You Discover and Validate Profitable App Ideas
Recycling-Focused Travel Campaigns
Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments Partnered for a Promotion
Civic Reporting Tools
Only In The UK Lets Citizens Report Issues For Parliamentary Review
Creative Networking Tools
Designer Hikes Builds Community By Connecting Designers Outdoors
London Urban Stay Concepts
The July London Victoria Apartment-Hotel Designed for Digital Nomads
Digital Sharing Platforms
Venture Vault Enables Innovators to Share Ideas and Collaborate
Founder Ecosystem Hubs
Rev1 Ventures combines startup offices, mentorship, and investor access
Digital Fundraising Competitions
Headquarterz Launched the Community Cup
Modern Heritage Workspaces
Norton Folgate Offices Refflect Universal Design Studio’s Craft Balance
Community Engagement Platforms
Tchop Enables Businesses To Build And Own Online Communities
Regional Innovation Funds
Michigan Launched a Startup Investment Program Across Multiple Sectors
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
City of Toronto Launches 'Love Local' Campaign to Support Businesses
Interest-Based Social Networking
Phnk Sparks Real Friendships Through Shared Interests and Chat
Casual Baking Class Concepts
The Baking Social Makes Baking Fun, Social and Accessible
Bold Neon Fountain Installations
The Fountain by Neon is a Lime-Green Gathering Point in London
Startup Directory Hubs
List Your Startup In 400+ Directories With Indie Kit To Boost Visibility
Social Workplace Branding Tools
Soshial Helps You Build and Grow a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
Empowering Entrepeneur Clubs
Saltbox Introduces 'Upstream' for Loyal Members Looking for Community
Victorian Parlour Gaming Booths
Inception Group Launches Mr Fogg’s Games Parlour
Franchise Business-Friendly Programs
Art of Franchising Strengthens Sector in the Philippines
Kindness Generator Platforms
bekind.now Helps Users Generate Acts of Kindness to Brighten Days
Startup Funding Directories
Credit for Startups Helps Entrepreneurs Discover Funding Opportunities
Housing Innovation Symposiums
The Boston Society for Architecture Focuses on the Future of Housing
Retail Conversation Marketing Campaigns
Tesco Launches 'Need Anything From Tesco' Platform
Culturally Informed Cross-Border Services
EPWK is Credited with Building a Digital Silk Road
Space Economy Initiatives
Brownsville Launched an Accelerator Program for Aerospace Businesses
Child-Specific Peer Donation Networks
Let’s Match Mums Connects Mothers With Preloved Kids’ Goods
Long-Term Inclusive Activity Programs
Activity Alliance Learning Hub Boasts a Specialized Program
Community-Focused Support Programs
Jessica Lee Has Established the 'Pursue the Dream' Program
Bus Racing Retail Events
The Saucony Beat the Bus Challenge Celebrated a New Location
Local Business Finders
BuyLokals Helps Users Discover and Support Community Businesses
Regional Irish R&D Hubs
Qumulo Opens the Cork, Ireland R&D And Customer Success Hub
Hospitality Strategy Communities
The PickUp Unites Revenue Managers in One Hub
Welfare-Focused Student Hubs
G/O Architecture Uni-Center Renovation Opens Campus Life
Employee-Owned Funding Boosts
Kingsland Drinks Group Secures Its £65M Barclays Funding Package