We are thrilled to announce that Impact Hub London and British Land has won the prestigious Social Investment Deal of the Year award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards.

As one of an estimated 131,000 social enterprises in the UK, we are proud to trade for a social and environmental purpose, reinvesting profits to further our mission of fostering inclusive innovation and supporting changemakers. With stiff competition across 15 categories, winning this award is a testament to the transformative impact of our work and partnerships.

Devi Clark, Director of Programmes and Partnerships, said:
“We are delighted to have won the Social Investment Award. It truly reflects not only a financial investment but a true partnership between Impact Hub London and British Land, providing a beautiful and well-equipped workspace and inclusive innovation support that serves our local community and provides an environment for impact entrepreneurs to thrive.”

This award highlights the landmark collaboration between Impact Hub London and British Land. Together, we secured a transformative deal with British Land, who provided £3.5m in CAPEX and managed the Cat-A/B fit-out for a 10,650 sqft affordable workspace in Regent’s Place. This innovative arrangement—with repayment for Cat-B costs and peppercorn rent linked to a profit-sharing agreement—enabled us to establish a world-class space that might otherwise have been unaffordable.

The partnership doesn’t stop at providing infrastructure. It supports inclusive innovation, offering free memberships to underserved residents and creating a collaborative environment designed to enable community and global impact.

We collected our trophy at a glittering ceremony at London’s iconic Roundhouse on 4 December, hosted by national sector body Social Enterprise UK.

Peter Holbrook CBE, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, said:
“Our incredible winners capture the breadth and impact of the nation’s social enterprises. Their stories all make it clear how vital social enterprise is to building a stronger, fairer, more sustainable world.”

We are honoured to be recognised alongside so many inspiring organisations, and we remain committed to creating spaces and opportunities where impact entrepreneurs can thrive.

Find out more about the UK Social Enterprise Awards at www.socialenterprise.org.uk/all-about-social-enterprise-uk/uk-social-enterprise-awards.

Read more about the awards and all of the winners on the SE UK website.

Meet Luke Kennedy, the Community Engagement Coordinator at Impact Hub Euston! Fresh from his Law degree, Luke jumped into Impact Hub to explore new career paths and build his network. He loves the dynamic vibe and the awesome community. With a passion for helping others and ensuring everyone feels welcome, Luke is all about integrity and balance.

Name: Luke Kennedy

Role: Community Engagement Coordinator at Impact Hub Euston.

My role is to welcome members and guests, manage daily operations in the reception and café areas, and support events to ensure an outstanding visitor experience.

How did you come to be a part of the Impact Hub London Team?

I joined Impact Hub after finishing my Law undergraduate as a way to build my professional network and gain wide range exposure to different career paths at a time where I was still undecided on what impact I wanted to make in my professional career. I found the job on Indeed and thought it would be the best place to do this.

What do you love about your role?

The Coworkers

What has been something you are particularly proud of in your role?

Opening a new space with the initial Euston team and helping usher Impact Hub London into a new era of operations.

What one word would you use to describe Impact Hub and describe why?

Dynamic – Every week there’s a new challenge to face and problem to solve. From a community standpoint, we are always getting fascinating new members with different stories carrying different purposes and different impacts they can have to make the world a better place.

Can you name a colleague or member who has had a positive impact on your work?

Two colleagues that had a positive impact during my time at the Hub are Kaye McDougall and Kam Saran. Both were mentor like figures for me while I worked with them and always put me as an individual before me as an employee.

What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?

To put yourself first but always be nice to people no matter what. Integrity is the driving force of success. Also the ability to say no and be aware, but not restricted, by my limits.

How do you work to improve your work-life balance?

I make sure that I restrict all my work to strict work hours only. Nothing work related should be, or will be, done outside of those hours and it’s essential for me to have a strict line.

What’s the most interesting talent or interest you have that most people don’t know about?

One of my favourite pastimes is planning and writing novels or short stories.

If you could magically acquire a new skill overnight, what would it be, and how would you use it at work?

The ability to take more risks and be less afraid or confined by the consequences.

What techniques do you use to foster innovation and creativity within your team?

Communication and openness in my own, and my colleagues, ideas and critics.

What book / podcast / show would you recommend?

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (Goodreads). Chinua Achebe is a genius in the way he manipulates his narrative prose and grounds all his imagery in the natural beings of the Earth in order to present the Igbo tribe as a people, and later contrast that with how missionaries shatter the tribes collective. So its a must read for appreciators of the art that is writing.

Celebrating the Impact of Social Enterprises: A Journey of Growth and Transformation

In a world where social impact is more crucial than ever, we recently had the privilege of being the host of our ASSETS 2024 Cohort Celebration event, where we witnessed the remarkable achievements of social enterprises dedicated to creating positive change.

This gathering not only highlighted the resilience and innovation of these enterprises but also showcased the power of collaboration and support from organisations like Impact Hub and Wates, who successfully delivered the 2024 ASSETS programme, supported by The People’s Postcode Lottery and an industry partnership with Travis Perkins.

The Journey of Social Enterprises

The evening began with a warm welcome by Virginia Vergara, Impact Hub Senior Programmes Manager, and Su Pickerill, Head of Social Value, Wates Group, setting the tone for a celebration of dedication and hard work.

As participants shared their journeys, it became evident that the path of social entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about purpose. Many of these enterprises have faced significant challenges, yet they have emerged stronger, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their missions.

For instance, social enterprises like Ksquared, which focuses on sustainable property improvements, emphasised the importance of retrofitting to meet the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets. With over 40% of carbon emissions stemming from the construction sector, their work is not only vital for environmental sustainability but also for social equity, as they assist social landlords in enhancing their properties for the benefit of communities.

Transformative Partnerships

One of the key themes of the event was the importance of partnerships in amplifying impact. Impact Hub, a global network supporting social entrepreneurs, emphasises creating synergies to drive greater change. With over 110 impact hubs in more than 60 countries, their commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship is commendable.

The collaboration with Wates and Travis Perkins has allowed participants to access invaluable resources and mentorship, enabling them to scale their operations and increase their social impact.

Stories helped bring the work to life

The stories shared by the participants were inspiring. For example, NGB CLEAN, a social enterprise created to support ex-offenders, has been successfully employing individuals previously incarcerated, thereby reducing recidivism and offering them a pathway to a stable future. This approach not only transforms lives but also addresses broader societal issues.

Rose Hill from Co-Creative Connection (CCC) discusses her organisation, which focuses on creating vibrant and joyful community spaces through co-design workshops and public art. She highlights the issues of social isolation, lack of connection within communities, and limited opportunities for creative expression.

One short story shared involved a participant named Joy, who felt disconnected from her community and was unhappy. Through the projects organised by the social enterprise, she managed to find lifelong friends and became connected to her community. Joy shared her life stories and participated in various events, including doing hopscotch at the age of 85 during an international team track event. Her transformation highlighted the positive impact of community engagement and the workshops provided.

She shared three stories of individuals who participated in her projects, demonstrating how these initiatives have positively impacted their lives by fostering connections, improving mental health, and promoting community pride. Overall, her talk emphasises the importance of community engagement and the role of public art in addressing social challenges.

Metrics of Success

The Assets Program has been pivotal in helping these enterprises refine their business models and enhance their operational efficiencies. With tailored workshops, mentoring sessions, and access to networks, participants have reported significant growth in their confidence and capabilities.

Moreover, the economic impact of social enterprises is substantial. In the UK, there are over 130,000 social enterprises employing more than 2.5 million people, highlighting their role in driving economic growth while addressing social issues.

What did the mentors say about being part of the programme?

The mentors spoke positively about the program and highlighted several benefits they gained from their participation:

1. Insight into Social Enterprises: Mentors like Tom shared that working with social enterprises provided them with a new perspective on how these businesses operate. They found it enlightening to see the challenges and dynamics of a startup social enterprise, which was different from their usual experiences in larger organisations.

2. Skills Development: Adam, another mentor, mentioned that working with a new company helped him refresh his business skills, particularly during sessions where they reviewed financial statements together.

3. Building Relationships: Mentors noted the importance of building relationships with their mentees and among themselves. They found that the connections made during the program were valuable and led to ongoing communications and support after the program ended.

4. Contribution to Growth: Mentors expressed satisfaction in seeing the growth of the social enterprises they worked with. They felt a sense of achievement as they witnessed their mentees winning contracts and expanding their businesses.

5.Enjoyment and Fulfillment: Many mentors conveyed that they enjoyed the process and found it fulfilling to support and guide social enterprises. They felt they were part of something meaningful and impactful

Overall, the mentors appreciated the learning experience, the opportunity to contribute to social enterprises, and the relationships formed during the program.

Closing Speech

In the final speech of the event, Jonny Wates (Wates Group Director) emphasised the importance of genuine collaboration and the significant impact of social enterprises. He expressed admiration for the growth and achievements of the participating social enterprises and praised the program’s structure, which fosters these collaborations.

He noted, “Every single one of those stories, every one of those enterprises is doing incredible things, and you deserve massive kudos for them.” He highlighted the urgency of transforming the industry to prioritise social and environmental impacts alongside profit, stating, “The impact beyond profit is so crucial, and that’s the environmental impact and social impact that all of you are thinking about.” He concluded by thanking the mentors and underscoring the groundbreaking work being done, saying, “We’re really stepping up, and I’m really proud of that”.

Conclusion

The Assets 2024 Cohort Celebration was a testament to the power of resilience, collaboration, and social entrepreneurship. As we celebrate these successes, let us also commit to nurturing and supporting the next generation of social enterprises that are transforming lives and communities. Together, we can make a significant difference.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the mentors, partners, and supporters who have played a vital role in this journey. Your dedication to social impact is truly inspiring, and we look forward to what the future holds for all of us.

🎥 Check out our new video to explore Impact Hub London Euston!🌟

Get a first-hand look at our flexible workspaces and hear directly from our members about why they love being part of our vibrant community.

We are thrilled to launch our 28-page brochure showcasing the vibrant, inclusive space at Impact Hub London Euston. Here’s why you should dive in:

✨ Discover Your Perfect Workspace:
Our hub offers private offices, dedicated desks, flexible co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and large event spaces, all designed to support your business growth.

🌍 For Change-makers:
Our spaces are tailored for those dedicated to improving our planet’s and humanity’s health. Enhance your team’s productivity and well-being in our high-tech, light-filled environment.

🤝 Incredible Collaboration:
Proudly delivered in collaboration with The Knowledge Quarter (KQ), bringing together around 100 academic, arts, cultural, research, and scientific institutions within a one-mile radius around King’s Cross.

Don’t miss out on exploring how our spaces can elevate your work.

Read or download the brochure now and see why Impact Hub London Euston is the ideal place for your business to thrive!

Join our Global Network

Meet our team of passionate individuals, all driven by the shared mission to accelerate entrepreneurial action for people and planet.

Meet our team of passionate individuals, all driven by the shared mission to accelerate entrepreneurial action for people and planet.

Meet our team of passionate individuals, all driven by the shared mission to accelerate entrepreneurial action for people and planet.