Member updates

Dr Birgit Kehrer, founder of award-winning ChangeKitchen CIC based in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, has been recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs. Birgit, who founded her business in 2010, will be featured alongside leading female founders from across the country as part of Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, which celebrates the multi-achievements of women running businesses in the UK. The campaign celebrates 100 exceptional women across the UK who are driving innovation, growth, and positive impact in their communities, while running successful businesses. Birgit is being profiled for her achievements as a leading social entrepreneur committed to tackling food injustice one climate-friendly meal at a time, and providing volunteering, training and work experience opportunities to those marginalised from recognised, more mainstream, employment routes into the hospitality sector. On being featured in this year’s #IAlso100 lineup, Birgit said: “I am genuinely humbled, and delighted, to be named in this prestigious national list of female entrepreneurs. Looking at those who feature in the 2026 list, there are many female leaders who are incredible role models and whom I find equally inspiring.” “Being recognised through awards such as this f:Entrepreneur 100 is so much more than just a ‘nice badge’ – it helps give people, particularly women, a voice and an aspiration to achieve more. I’m privileged to have collaborated with, and supported, some wonderful people through ChangeKitchen CIC and our work as a professional, sustainable catering service and Kindness Café specialising in plant-based menus.” Launched in 2017 by Small Business Britain, the f:Entrepreneur campaign aims to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community.  “It is brilliant to feature Birgit in this year’s #IAlso100 campaign. All of the female entrepreneurs in this year’s line-up are inspirational and remarkable role models,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain. “Their creativity, leadership, and community impact show exactly why supporting female founders is so important, not only for the UK’s economic growth but for the positive difference they make to wider society.” The #IAlso100 campaign offers a host of events, training, and networking opportunities to boost skills, capability, and confidence.  Female entrepreneurship continues to make a powerful economic impact, with estimates suggesting up to £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men.1 To view the full list of the 100 female business owners featured in this year’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, visit https://f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2026/. About ChangeKitchen CIC A pioneer of climate-friendly, socially-driven catering ChangeKitchen CIC is widely recognised as the Midlands’ only fully climate-friendly catering social enterprise, delivering high-end corporate, private and third-sector catering while creating deep, measurable social impact. Over the past fifteen years, ChangeKitchen CIC has become a quiet powerhouse in Birmingham’s social economy, using food as a bridge into opportunity, dignity and community. Their work includes: 95,000 free meals cooked and distributed since March 2020, with 200 to 400 meals still provided weekly. Nearly 10,000 bespoke emergency food parcels delivered to people in crisis. 20 to 50 supported work placements offered every year to people furthest from the labour market. Growth from 2.5 staff to 12, many of whom joined following supported placements. Employment of survivors of modern slavery through partnership with the Jericho Foundation’s Equiano Programme. 50 to 100 tonnes of surplus food saved from landfill annually. A fully climate-friendly kitchen powered by low-carbon energy, composting, recycling and zero-waste principles. changekitchen.co.uk

During International Homelessness Week, social enterprise Connection Crew brought together over 70 leaders from social enterprises, homelessness charities, event partners and impact-driven organisations to celebrate 20 years of delivering employment pathways for people affected by homelessness. Since 2005, Connection Crew has: Provided work to 499 people affected by homelessness Delivered almost 300,000 hours of living wage work for people affected by homelessness Built long-term partnerships across the events, charity and social enterprise sectors Demonstrated that commercial purchasing decisions - such as booking crew - can be powerful tools for social change Connection Crew released its 20 Year Impact Report at the event which featured three speakers: Lord John Bird, Founder of The Big Issue Praised employment-led interventions as essential to breaking cycles of disadvantage. “Connection Crew is one of those rare organisations that doesn’t just give people a handout but a hand up.” Camilla Marcus-Dew, Head of Ventures, Connection Crew Founder of Amplify Goods and previously founder of SoapCo and Beco, Camilla challenged the sector to seize the opportunity presented by the events industry’s huge procurement power. “The power is in procurement choices, staffing an event with people that live up the road, working with SMEs, putting money in the hands of diverse businesses, and yes - getting purchase orders for the greatest events of 2026 into the inboxes of social enterprises like ours.” Warren Rogers, Director, Connection Crew Reflected on the collective potential of the UK’s over 100,000 social enterprises. “One choice. One action. One shift in how we turn up. When those small changes multiply across a sector, they become transformation.” Guests included representatives from St Mungo’s, Beam, Social Enterprise UK, Big Issue, Design Council, Deborah Hale MBE and a network of events companies whose bookings have generated Connection Crew’s impact. Photography enclosed here: 20th Anniversary Press Images, impact data and interviews with the speakers are available on request. About Connection Crew Connection Crew is a social enterprise working to fight homelessness through employment and living wage work by providing skilled crew to the events sector. Its model creates paid jobs, training and next steps for people rebuilding their lives after homelessness. connectioncrew.co.uk

Profits reinvested into refugee training and employment through Changing Journeys programme. Award-winning social enterprise NEMI Teas has unveiled TRAMPOLINE Teas, a new range of Fairtrade and Rainforest-Alliance certified blends created for schools, offices, hotels and caterers who want quality, value and social impact — all in the same cup. Designed for high-volume foodservice, TRAMPOLINE Teas delivers consistent, great-tasting blends at competitive prices, while reinvesting profits into refugee training and employment through the Changing Journeys programme run at TRAMPOLINE Cafes across London. Participants gain confidence, hospitality skills and real work experience to help them take their next step into meaningful employment “TRAMPOLINE Teas is our answer to a clear market need for accessible, ethical tea in high-volume hospitality,” said Pranav Chopra, Founder of NEMI Teas. “Operators no longer need to choose between value, quality and social impact.” “This range proves that everyday doesn’t mean average,” added David Ryan, Growth Director. “TRAMPOLINE Teas brings taste, consistency and purpose together — a small switch that helps businesses create big impact through everyday choices.” The Line-Up: Familiar Favourites A feel-good family of eight blends — crafted for every mood, moment and menu: English Breakfast Earl Grey Green Tea Peppermint Tea Lemongrass & Ginger Decaf English Breakfast Red Berry Chamomile Available in enveloped tea bags (250s) and bulk catering packs (1100s). Certified, sustainable and built for volume TRAMPOLINE Teas is designed specifically for high-volume hospitality environments, offering operational simplicity alongside strong ethical credentials: Registered social enterprise Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certified teas Industrially compostable teabags & envelopes Blended and packed in a UK facility powered by renewable energy Following successful pilots with leading UK caterers earlier this year, the range received strong feedback on taste, consistency and ease of service. TRAMPOLINE Teas is now available to order across the UK. For more information or to request samples, visit trampolineteas.com or email bounce@trampolineteas.com. People-Powered Impact Every box purchased supports refugee training and employment opportunities through TRAMPOLINE Cafes located in Angel and at the Royal College of Nursing. Each brew helps someone bounce forward into work. Every sip supports a new start. About NEMI Teas NEMI Teas is a King’s Award-winning, certified social enterprise based in London. We craft high-quality, Organic and Fairtrade teas while supporting refugees into meaningful work.Our profits are reinvested into our TRAMPOLINE Cafes, which provide structured hospitality training and living-wage work experience for refugees through the Changing Journeys programme. Impact Snapshot In the 12 months to 31 October 2025 12 individuals supported through training and employment pathways 3,500+ hours of paid work experience delivered Partnerships with leading hospitality organisations, including The Hotel School, ThomasFranks, and Houston & Hawkes

On Thursday 20 November leading social enterprise business GLL hosted an event in Woolwich, South East London to celebrate Social Enterprise Day 2025. Entitled ‘How to Start and Grow a Resilient Business’ a highlight of the day was an expert panel discussion, with panellists drawn from the Social Enterprise sector including: Peter Bundey, GLL CEO, Peter Holbrook, Social Enterprise UK CEO, Sophi Tranchell, Founder Divine Chocolate, Cemal Ezel Co-CEO Change Please and Timi Jibogu, Founder Endz Group.  The panellists shared their knowledge and insights on issues such as how to set up a social business, how to build resilience in uncertain times and how to grow impact and reach while staying true to a founding purpose and community roots. Sophi Tranchell, Founder Divine Chocolate offered three pieces of advice for people looking to start their own social enterprise: Articulate your mission so that everyone knows what you’re doing and what you’re not doing.  Pick your partners carefully – they need to share your mission and your successes and decide where your money goes before you’ve got it. The free event was aimed at small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs and sector representatives, with attendees able to meet with GLL’s procurement team and take part in a networking lunch. GLL also took the opportunity to launch its new Social Enterprise Accelerator Programme. The Programme has been established as a resource to support the growth of social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations across the UK. It brings together GLL’s support for social businesses, comprising procurement partnerships, start-up support and service delivery, under one clear banner. Underpinning the Programme is an online Accelerator Hub where, in addition to information on how to partner with GLL as a business supplier or service partner, there is practical advice and inspiring small business case-studies, along with tools, resources and signposting. Commenting on the event, Peter Bundey GLL CEO said: “As one of the UK’s largest and most successful Social Enterprise businesses we have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with the sector and are committed helping small and growing social businesses succeed.  “Our panellists shared some fascinating insights and learnings, which I’m sure will be of huge benefit to the small firms and entrepreneurs who joined our event today.  While our new online Accelerator Programme hub, provides an essential resource for anyone wishing to establish a social business.” Peter Holbrook, CEO of Social Enterprise UK concluded: "Social businesses are often the ideal partners for public service delivery given their social purpose, staff ownership and accountability.  Unlike companies with shareholders to pay, social enterprises exist to reinvest surpluses in local communities.” For more information on GLL’s new Accelerator Programme visit: https://www.gll.org/services-and-impact/business-support

Community Dental Services CIC (CDS) is proud to announce the launch of its new green mobile dental unit, designed to deliver essential dental care across communities while dramatically reducing environmental impact.  The state-of-the-art mobile clinic is powered primarily by biofuel - a more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel - ensuring lower emissions on the road. Once on site, the unit operates entirely on solar and battery power, providing a quiet, zero-emission environment for both patients and the dental team. A diesel generator is included only as a backup for extended operations in remote areas, ensuring service continuity without compromising CDS’s commitment to sustainability.  Glen Taylor, Chief Operating Officer for CDS’s East regions said “We are delighted to now have the first of our two brand new green mobiles ready and on the road, delivering dental care more sustainably than ever before. Running off biofuel, with the addition of solar panels reduces our carbon emissions and operational noise. With the introduction of our eco-conscious mobile units, CDS continues to demonstrate our leadership in both community wellbeing and environmental responsibility.”  Nicola Blake, Strategic Mobiles Lead said “Our fleet of eight mobile dental units provide a positive dental experience for many people who have not been able to access this in the past and being on wheels, we are able to get into the heart of those communities who experience barriers to care. Having worked on our new green mobile, the solar energy created by the roof panels has created a much quieter environment on board.”   The mobile dental clinic vehicle, which includes custom body build and internal fit-out has been designed and produced by Torton Bodies Ltd. James Andrews, Torton's Managing Director said "This is a first of its kind for us. Whilst we produce many mobile dentals clinics, this will be our first which predominantly runs on lithium batteries, using solar and generator as a means of back up. To our knowledge there isn't another one like this in the UK and it's been a fantastic project to work with CDS on.”   CDS’s fully equipped mobile dental units deliver exceptional dental care at different locations, including additional needs settings, mental health secure units, child secure units and treating people who are homeless. About CDS  Community Dental Services CIC (CDS) is a 100% employee-owned social enterprise providing community dental services to the NHS and oral health improvement programmes throughout Bedfordshire, Derbyshire, Essex, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk & Waveney and Nottinghamshire.  - Together we will enable our communities to enjoy a better quality of life -  communitydentalservices.co.uk 

September 2025 was a landmark month for Stitch, with the team delivering some of their biggest and most diverse projects - adding up to its biggest month to date. Every milestone contributes to Stitch’s mission: helping to combat homelessness, create second chances, and cut waste in the events industry. Highlights from the month included: World Design Congress at the Barbican – welcoming over 1,300 people in person and 2,800 online, the event was described as “all in all just brilliant.” UK Inclusive Sourcing Summit at the Guildhall – the first of its kind, this event championed diverse businesses entering corporate supply chains. Johnson & Johnson exhibitions – three striking stands across both Innovative Medicine and MedTech. CBRE Supplier Partner Event 2025 – supported by Stitch’s production team, providing expert media services. This record month marks a significant boost in impact. Full data will be shared in Stitch’s upcoming report. For now, the team is focused on building on 2024’s strong results, when 92% of materials were reused across productions and over 1,700 hours of Living Wage+ work were created for people affected by homelessness. To see more of Stitch’s work and join the community, follow them on LinkedIn – and if you’d like to discuss future projects, the team would love to hear from you. Stitch provides event production with social and environmental impact built-in -  Stitch is part of Connection Crew CIC, a social enterprise delivering stellar crewing services and creating living wage work for people affected by homelessness for nearly 20 years.  stichlive.co.uk

Jubilee Hall Trust Ltd has confirmed that GLL, a not-for-profit Social Enterprise and the UK’s largest leisure trust, will take over Jubilee Hall Gym in Covent Garden and in doing so will secure the long-term future of this much-loved community space. The leisure operator, which operates under the “Better” brand, has committed to investing £250k into the facility, introducing new gym equipment, refreshing the studio and changing rooms and installing a new hot water boiler.  A new programme of activities will also be introduced to supplement the existing offer and Jubilee Hall Gym members will be given immediate access to Better leisure facilities across London and the wider UK, including the nearby indoor and outdoor swimming pools at the Oasis Sports Centre in Holborn. Members of the Gym will also be eligible to apply for funding and practical help from the GLL Sport Foundation, the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK. GLL has committed to honour existing arrangements for the gym’s self-employed personal trainers and other hirers for a minimum of six months, with staff transferred to GLL employment via the standard TUPE process. Jon Giles, Chief Executive Officer of Jubilee Hall Trust Ltd said: “I am pleased that GLL, a Social Enterprise with the same values as Jubilee Hall Trust will take over at Jubilee Hall Gym. Not only will this safeguard the Gym for many years to come, providing security for personal trainers and hirers who remained loyal to us during recent, difficult times and enhancing members’ benefits considerably, it will also bring much needed investment which we simply could not afford to make. In addition, it will enable our Trust to continue the important community work we do within our other centres. Opening after Covid with limited cash reserves to navigate through energy and cost of living crises put the charity at significant risk of closure but we now have a brighter future ahead of us. “ Carol Martin, Chair of the Jubilee Hall Trust trustees added: “The trustees are delighted to be handing over the reins at Jubilee Hall Gym to GLL.  GLL offers benefits for members that far exceed anything we were able to provide, which I hope will encourage more members of the local communities back to Jubilee Hall Gym. I’m proud of how hard Jon and his team have worked in keeping services running at Jubilee Hall during very difficult times.  It is thanks to them and to the high regard that Jon is held within the community leisure sector, that we have been able to secure this offer from GLL. As such an experienced, well-established community leisure facilities provider, we are confident that Jubilee Hall Gym and its members will be in safe hands. “ Peter Bundey, Chief Executive Officer at GLL said: “This is good news for the local community, staff and partners. “We will rejuvenate the facilities, improve the member offer and increase membership numbers, creating a space that is welcoming to everyone regardless of age, fitness levels or financial means.  We will work to put Jubilee Hall back on a level financial footing, while our Social Enterprise status means that any future financial surpluses will be reinvested back into the inner London communities we serve.” It is anticipated that Jubilee Hall Gym will be transferred to GLL by the end of November 2025. About GLL GLL is a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to providing affordable leisure, fitness, and cultural activities to communities across the UK. Operating under the brand “Better,” GLL manages over 240 leisure centres, libraries, and community services in partnership with local councils and organisations. GLL’s mission is to improve lives through accessible and high-quality sports, leisure and cultural services, reinvesting its profits to further its social objectives. gll.org About Jubilee Hall Trust The Jubilee Hall Trust is a charity that aims to build strong healthy communities by promoting the fitness and wellbeing of the individuals within them. The Trust will continue to operate three health, fitness and sports centres in Hampstead, Southwark and Westminster and manage outreach community programmes such as GP Referral, Healthy hearts as well as invest more time to get their cancer Prehab and Rehab programmes off the ground with the Royal Free.

Oxford brewery, bakery, and hospitality organisation Tap Social Movement is thrilled to announce that as of Monday, 8 September, it has been listed in 228 Waitrose supermarkets across the UK. Its year-round core beers Home and Dry (4.2% Hazy Pale Ale) and Time Better Spent (5.1% Juicy IPA) will be available in all 228 outlets, with Major Figures (4% Lager) and Jobsworth (3.4% Gluten-Free Pale Ale) also stocked in an additional six Oxfordshire markets. "We're so grateful for the opportunity to put Tap Social and two of our best-selling beers in front of Waitrose shoppers across the UK," says Marketing Manager Brian Spencer. "We hope that it helps spark more awareness and conversation about the UK's criminal justice system, and that more businesses see how our social mission of offering training and employment for people from prison can also work for them and benefit society at large." Tap Social's Waitrose listing follows news in August of earning its first stars at the prestigious Great Taste Awards. Time Better Spent earned two stars -one of only 15 IPAs and pale ales in England to earn this distinction, while Jobsworth earned one star.  To date, Tap Social has created more than 100,000 hours of fairly paid employment for people from prison. Learn more about its mission at tapsocialmovement.com.