The Impact Newsfeed

Daily news digest from the world of affordable housing and impact investing

The Impact World This Week: 7 March 2025

This week: US ‘denounces’ the SDGs; UK B Corps boom; Tony’s Chocolonely left bitter by European Commission, and more.

Rebuilding Gaza: Palestinian resilience through social enterprise

While Donald Trump and Arab leaders compete over plans to rebuild Gaza, local social entrepreneurs are already providing solutions for their communities. It’s a journey towards self-sufficiency and independence for the Palestinian people.

Social enterprise tackling energy poverty in DRC aims to raise up to £500,000 from UK retail investors

Altech, a social enterprise founded by former refugees, provides affordable solar energy to underserved people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and new investment could support nearly 14,000 households.

Good Leaders Podcast Episode 18 – Ashoka’s Marie Ringler: ‘I’ve been proudest of myself when I’ve jumped into cold water’

She hates small talk and has a taste for bold decisions: Ashoka’s Europe leader Marie Ringler talks about her journey from politician to social innovator, why the feeling of powerlessness is the biggest poison in the world, and more.

The Editor's Post: Has Europe opened the door to ‘rampant greenwashing’?

Brussels’ latest policy changes aren’t boring – they might mean the undoing of years of progress towards better business. That's why it’s our duty to cover the EU story and why you should read it.

Campaigners' fury at attempt to 'eviscerate' EU sustainability laws

An initiative claiming to ‘simplify’ EU sustainability laws has been branded ‘full-scale deregulation’ by opponents, with former UN high commissioner for human rights Mary Robinson calling on the European Parliament to resist the reforms.

Expert Insight: Why development impact bonds’ complexity is a guardrail not a roadblock

The development funding we have must be put to better use as pressures mount, says Richard Hawkes – and development impact bonds can be transformative. He outlines their potential and dives into the debate about what's holding them back.

Good Stories Episode 4 – Reconfiguring the landscape of the outdoor sports industry

Join Pioneers Post reporter David Lyons at Kendal Mountain Festival, where some outdoor wear brands, including Patagonia, are pushing forward circular economy solutions to halt the industry’s damaging effects on the environment.

The Editor’s Post: ‘Utterly farcical’ – our UK Treasury Social Impact Investment Advisory Group saga

Chasing the Treasury, celebrating the women shaping AI for good and asking if businesses are making ‘counterfeit profits’. This week’s view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.

What do you call a room full of women who work in AI?

Six women leading “remarkable change through AI-powered solutions” have been recognised by She Shapes AI, a new initiative celebrating women's leadership in responsible AI.

The Impact World This Week: 20 February 2025

This week: Syria’s first hackathon unites social innovators to support recovery; UK government backs social enterprise in public procurement rules shake-up; Alfanar’s MENA impact fund launch is “good news for impact investing”.

Social enterprise and impact investing events in 2025

Ready to network, learn and get inspired? Don't book your diary without the Pioneers Post roundup of social impact events coming soon – for social entrepreneurs, impact investors and all those working within the global impact economy.

Do you really know a responsible business when you see one?

Is your business making ‘counterfeit profits’? As a new guide shows directors how to prepare ‘true and fair’ financial statements, our columnist says responsibility means accounting for the ‘hidden costs’ on society and the planet.

Can social enterprises show the EU they can deliver what it needs?

BRUSSELS BRIEFING: The social economy could face serious headwinds as EU policymakers shift priorities. Now is the time for social enterprises to show they can make the bloc more competitive – with added impact, writes Toby Gazeley.

The Editor's Post: The brilliance bias and the motherhood penalty: what still holds women back?

Women impact entrepreneurs still struggle to raise capital, but they have enormous untapped potential. This week’s view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.