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Tag: social value

Hull came together to turn good intentions into real change

Posted on by Philip Webb

On 19th November, Investors in Community (IIC) brought together some of Hull’s most committed businesses, charities and community leaders for an afternoon focused on one thing: turning good intentions into something real.

Hosted at the John Good Group HQ in Hessle, Profit Meets Purpose gave charities the space to talk openly about what help they need, gave businesses the chance to share what meaningful partnership looks like from their side and brought everyone into the same conversation (something that rarely happens in one room).

Where honest conversations sparked real collaboration

It was candid, energetic and refreshingly purposeful, with every speaker and attendee focused on practical action

Charities admitted where they feel stuck.
Businesses shared what they actually needed to know in order to help.
And everyone left with ideas they could act on.

One point kept coming up: Charities often don’t know how businesses want to be approached and businesses aren’t always sure what charities genuinely need.

Emily Blake, IIC’s Charity Relationships Coordinator, said it best:

“It was powerful seeing businesses and charities speaking honestly with each other, breaking down the fear of asking, the confusion around impact reporting and the pressure charities feel to ‘get it right’. These conversations don’t normally happen in one room.”

What businesses said matters most

Adam Walsh (John Good Group), Mark Burley (Keepmoat) and Laura Porter (Connexin) were clear:

Passion is important, but proof is what moves partnerships forward.

Matthew Wright (RSPCA Hull & East Riding Branch) summed it up:

“Businesses want to support charities, they just often struggle to find the right partner.
Platforms like IIC will absolutely bridge that gap and capture the real outcomes.”

Businesses want to know:

  • What’s the need?
  • What’s the impact?
  • How do we prove it?

Clear stories and measurable outcomes make all the difference.

What charities said they need help with

Many charities shared that it’s not willingness holding them back, it’s time, confidence and capacity.

Kirsty Clark (Matthew Good Foundation) highlighted that lots of small charities simply don’t know how to present their impact in a way that supports a business’s ESG or procurement needs.

That gap exists, but it’s one we can close with support, better tools and open conversations like these.

room of people with their backs to the camera looking at a panel of 4 people
Charity panellists addressing the room

Why offering different ways to give matters

Charities spoke about how important it is to offer more than one route for businesses to help, whether that’s:

  • sponsoring assets (such as kennels at the RSPCA)
  • running community cafés
  • offering staff skills
  • donating time or goods

When charities diversify how people can support them, more doors open and more pressure is lifted.

Emily put it perfectly:

“This event created a room of people who all want to do good and want to act quickly.
The connections made here will go far beyond today.”

What attendees said

The feedback says everything:

“Probably the single best event I have ever attended for meeting change makers.”
Asa Hancock, HET

“Impact and commercial performance are now completely intertwined.”
Jonathan Wragg (Ltt Group Ltd)

“A great event with great people. I came away with things to put into action.”
Chris Salt, Candlelighters Trust

“It was inspiring and exciting to see connections developing.”
Gill Emerton, Matthew’s Hub

“I learned a lot… so interesting hearing from the two panels from both sides of the same coin.”
Chloe Eliska Lawford, Sirius Homecare

A side on view of a Group of people sitting at tables and chairs looking towards the front of a room, listening
Profit Meets Purpose event, 19th November 2025

What happens next

This is only the beginning.

Hull now has a growing network of businesses and charities ready to collaborate, share knowledge and build stronger social value together, backed by IIC’s platform to track, verify and report the impact.

For businesses, this is a practical route to stronger ESG performance, better engagement and clearer reporting.

For charities, it means new partners, new opportunities and more confidence sharing the impact they create.

And for Hull, it marks the start of a more connected, more resilient local community.

Philip Webb, IIC CEO, summed up the feeling in the room:

“Events like this show what can happen when local businesses and charities collaborate with purpose. Measurable social value isn’t just good for communities, it’s good for business, culture and long-term sustainability.”

If you’d like to collaborate with IIC to run something similar in your area, or want to join the next Hull event, follow Investors in Community or get in touch.

Social value is about to get serious: are you ready?

Posted on by Philip Webb

From October 1st, every public sector contract in the UK will have to take account of social value in the award process. That’s thanks to the updated Social Value Model under Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 002.

Sounds niche? It’s not. If you supply to the public sector (whether you’re a multinational or a small business) this change could affect you.

Until now, social value in procurement has been a nice-to-have. A box to tick. From October, it’s mandatory. Buyers will have to score your bid not just on cost and quality, but also on the social impact you bring.

What counts as social value?

Think:

● Are you supporting your local community?

● Are you creating jobs and skills?

If you can prove it, you’re in a stronger position to win. If you can’t, you could lose out – even if your price is competitive.

Why SMEs and supply chains should care

You might think: “We’re only a small business, this doesn’t apply to us.” But public sector procurement isn’t just about billion-pound contracts. Councils, NHS trusts, schools, and local authorities buy from SMEs every single day.

And here’s the kicker: if you’re in the supply chain of a bigger company that bids for public contracts, they’ll soon be asking you for evidence of your social value too.

So whether you’re front and centre on a tender, or part of someone else’s supply chain, you need to be ready.

How do you prove your social value?

It’s not enough to say you do good things. From October, buyers will want measurable outcomes. The Social Value Model sets out five key themes:

1. COVID-19 recovery

2. Tackling economic inequality

3. Fighting climate change

4. Equal opportunity

5. Wellbeing

If you can show practical action in these areas (and put numbers against them), you’ll stand out.

How to measure and report social value

The good news? This doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right platform (hello, IIC), you can log, measure, and report your impact in a way that buyers trust. Whether you’re planting trees, volunteering hours, or making donations, you’ll have the data to back it up.

What to do next

Don’t wait until October to figure this out. Start embedding social value measurement into your business now – before your competitors do. Because when the new rules land, the companies that can show proof will have the edge. And those who can’t? They’ll be left scratching their heads, wondering why they didn’t get the contract.

Social value belongs in every boardroom and every bid. Whether you’re a maincontractor or part of a supply chain, the message is the same: prove your impact, or prepare to lose out. At IIC, we help businesses of all sizes turn giving into growth.

When does giving pay you back?

Posted on by Philip Webb

A straight-talking look at the real ROI of Social Value

The big question: why give?

Let’s not sugar-coat it: in business, the word “give” usually sets off mental alarms about cost, not value. But what if giving (time, money, gifts, support) paid you back? Not in karma points or good vibes (though you get those too), but in cold, hard business ROI.

We’re talking staff engagement, revenue growth, profit uplift and brand love. Let’s take a look at the real returns from Social Value giving and whether you’re doing it right… or just ticking boxes.

1. Giving comes in more flavours than you think

Social Value giving isn’t a one-size-fits-all gig. Think of it as a portfolio:

  1. – Time: Volunteering, mentoring, skills-based support
  2. – Gifts: Products, services, giveaways with purpose
  3. – Money: Donations, matched funding, community grants

Each one builds a different bridge – to your people, your community and your customers. The win? When that bridge starts driving business growth.

An image split into three vertical columns. The left image is of a bearded man with glasses smiling and shaking hands with someone across a laptop. The middle image is of a man with red hair and wearing a knitted jumper looking down and smiling at his hand which is holding hay. The right side image is of a young woman explaining something with her hands gesturing - she is looking towards a laptop which is off camera, and an older man is in the background smiling. Across the bottom is a purple and blue gradient banner with the words "cash is just one way to give. Time and skills? That counts too.

2. What’s in it for you? The ROI of doing good

Strong team engagement

People want to work somewhere that gives a damn. Businesses with a Social Value mindset see:
– Higher retention (especially Gen Z and Millennials)
– More productivity (people go the extra mile when they care)
– Better hiring results (because your brand values speak volumes)

Revenue that reflects your purpose

Yes, purpose sells.
– Consumers are 4x more likely to buy from brands with values
– B2B clients now expect Social Value data in procurement.
The real return on giving? Growth, loyalty and sales. 

Profits with purpose…and proof!

Worried that giving costs too much? It doesn’t, if it works. 

– Lower churn = less hiring costs
– Higher tender scores = more wins (Social Value scores now carry legal weight in UK bids)
– Loyal customers = longer-term value

A brand people believe in

Social Value transforms blasé brands into real ones. It gives your team stories to tell, your partners

A close up view of a target with an arrow hitting the bullseye which is the Investors in Community symbol. Along the bottom is a black and orange gradient with the words "Purpose sells. And it boosts sales, too

3. The harsh truth: most businesses give…meh

Here’s the tough love. You donate. Volunteer. Sponsor the odd event. But then what? No tracking. No storytelling. No link to strategy.

It’s like planting seeds and never watering them.

So the ROI? Gone.

Two bucket-style plant pots, one pale purple, one mint green. Both have brown unwatered plants in them. Along the bottom is a purple and blue banner with the words "If you're giving and forgetting, don't expect results.

4. Want to flip that? Here’s how. 

Imagine this:

– Every hour your team gives is logged.
– Every pound donated is traced to real impact.
– Every act of goodwill becomes a story, a KPI, a tender advantage.

This is giving that works as hard as you do. 
That’s where platforms like Investors in Community come in. ( Not a plug. Just facts.)
We help businesses prove, improve, and promote their Social Value so the giving actually gives back.

A close up image of a light switch. The off button is labelled "basic" and the on button is labelled "strategic". A black and orange banner runs along the bottom with the words "Goodwill's great. Measured goodwill? Even better.

5. Audit. Accelerate. Win.

– What do you give now? Is it tracked? Tied to business outcomes?
– Set clear metrics: connect giving to staff engagement, tenders, retention.
– Go digital: streamline, track, report.
– Tell the story: Your team and your clients want to see it. Show them.

Two people with their backs to the camera looking at a computer screen displaying a digital dashboard with colourful charts and graphs. Along the bottom is a black and blue gradient banner with the words "Track it. Prove it. Shout about it. That's how giving pays.

Final Word

Giving, when it’s strategic and well-managed, becomes a growth engine. With the right approach, Social Value fuels loyalty, drives revenue and strengthens your reputation.
So… when does giving pay you back?

When you give with purpose, track with precision and tell the story like a boss.

A new way for businesses to support charities and drive lasting impact

Posted on by Philip Webb

At Investors in Community, we know businesses want to make a real difference but traditional corporate giving often stops with donations and volunteer days. What if businesses could help charities grow stronger, more sustainable, and more impactful in the long run?

That’s exactly what the Transformation & Charity Support Programme is designed to do. By providing coaching, strategic support, and measurable impact reporting, IIC is taking corporate social responsibility (CSR) to a new level that creates lasting change for charities, businesses, and communities. 

Why this programme? Why now?

Many charities operate on shoestring budgets, relying heavily on fundraising, donations, and volunteer support and without the right strategic foundations, long-term growth can be difficult. At the same time, businesses want to invest in communities in ways that align with their values, but they often struggle to see the direct impact of their contributions.

This programme, led by expert coaches Jo Thackwray & Lyn Page, bridges that gap. By working through the IIC platform businesses can now invest in charities in a structured way, ensuring their contributions result in real, measurable, and sustainable change.

How does this programme help charities thrive?

Charities taking part in the Transformation & Charity Support Programme receive structured, expert-led support to help them grow, increase their impact, and plan for long-term sustainability.

Through six interactive sessions, charities get practical guidance on defining their mission, measuring impact and demonstrating the value of their work. Leadership and people management are key areas of focus, helping charities build a strong team culture, improve volunteer engagement, and reduce the risk of burnout.

Charities also gain essential financial skills, learning how to budget, develop fundraising strategies, and plan for sustainable growth. This gives them the confidence to secure funding and manage their resources effectively.

The programme helps charities think beyond the day-to-day, with strategies to scale, diversify income, and build long-term resilience. By the final session, each organisation leaves with a clear, practical roadmap for growth, ensuring they can continue making a lasting impact in their communities.

A smarter way for businesses to make a real impact

Businesses want to make a real impact, but finding the right approach can be challenging. This programme provides a structured way for businesses to contribute meaningfully, with measurable results that drive lasting change.

Businesses using the IIC platform can make a measurable difference by supporting a charity’s long-term growth. They’ll receive:

✅ Impact reports that clearly show how their contributions are making a difference.
✅ Stronger connections with charities, building meaningful, long-term partnerships.
✅ Full visibility of CSR efforts, aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
✅ Employee engagement opportunities, allowing staff to contribute in a way that delivers real results.

This programme helps businesses move from short-term giving to lasting change, creating real benefits for companies and communities.

Why Investors in Community?

At IIC, we make corporate social responsibility clear, measurable, and sustainable. This programme takes it a step further by helping businesses and charities build lasting partnerships rather than focusing on short-term giving. By connecting charities, businesses, and expert coaches we’re facilitating long-term social impact and ensuring every contribution leads to meaningful change.

Join the movement

If your business wants to create real, long-term impact, this programme provides a clear way to make a difference. It helps charities grow and become more sustainable while strengthening your CSR strategy with measurable results. Through the IIC platform, you can track and report on your social impact and build meaningful connections with the charities you support. Take the next step in corporate social responsibility and be part of something that creates lasting change.

How social impact drives business success

Posted on by Philip Webb

Social impact is a powerful strategic driver for success. When companies embed social impact into their core operations, they experience a range of benefits that go well beyond good publicity. In this article, we’ll show you how social impact can become a powerful catalyst for growth and long-term success for your business.

Building brand loyalty and trust

Customers and stakeholders are increasingly choosing to support businesses that demonstrate a genuine commitment to social impact. By aligning with causes that matter, companies build loyalty and trust among customers, which can lead to increased brand affinity and repeat business. When businesses can authentically show that they’re making a difference, it resonates with socially conscious consumers.

Attracting and retaining top talent

People want to work for companies that share their values and commitment to social responsibility. A strong social impact strategy can set a business apart in the competitive job market, helping to attract high-calibre employees who are motivated to contribute to a purpose-driven culture. Retention rates improve too, as employees who feel they’re making a positive impact are more likely to stay.

Enhancing operational efficiency

Integrating social impact streamlines operation, as well as reaping the rewards of external benefits. Socially responsible businesses often have clearer governance structures and policies, which translate into more efficient operations. The Investors in Community (IIC) platform, for instance, allows businesses to manage, track, and report on their social impact activities, saving time and reducing the administrative load.

New market opportunities

A commitment to social impact can open doors to new partnerships and client bases. Businesses with strong social value credentials are often favoured in procurement processes and by investors. In fact, many investors now consider a company’s social impact as part of their decision-making criteria. By adopting transparent and verifiable social impact practices, businesses can expand their market reach and appeal to a broader audience.

Mitigating risks and strengthening reputation

Social impact initiatives contribute to risk management by helping businesses avoid reputational damage associated with unethical practices. Platforms like IIC provide transparency and verification for social impact activities, which helps businesses steer clear of greenwashing and demonstrate genuine commitment. A strong reputation in social value can be a buffer against future challenges, safeguarding the business’s long-term viability.

How the IIC platform supports social impact

The Investors in Community platform provides a structured, transparent way for businesses to manage their social impact journey. By tracking all types of contributions, from donations to volunteer hours, businesses can see the tangible benefits of their efforts, both for the community and their own success. With IIC’s streamlined reporting and Community Credits system, every act of giving is measured, rewarded, and available for stakeholders to view.

Take the first step towards impactful success

Social impact is a pathway to sustainable growth and success. Discover how your business can enhance its operations, build brand loyalty, and drive growth through social value. Visit our website or book a demo with IIC to learn more about integrating social impact into your strategy.