Be the Future case studies
In collaboration with the Peter Jones Foundation, we are delighted to be relaunching the social enterprise competition for learners in school or college.
The below enterprises are some social enterprises that may inspire entries to the 2022 Be the Future challenge.
Stand4Socks
Stand4Socks started with this simple statement when founder Josh Turner was talking amongst friends casually. A bold concept, but when you stop and think about it, a lot of people wear socks, everyday.... and if each pair could have a positive impact, then why can't socks change the world? For every pair of socks sold one pair is donated to homeless charities across the UK. Socks are the most requested item by homeless shelters because they are rarely donated. Stand4socks created the most suitable sock for homeless people and they donate a pair for each pair sold. They have donated over 75,000 pairs to people in need. Stand4socks also say that their socks support 12 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Waterhaul
Waterhaul is a social enterprise based in Newquay, Cornwall. They utilise plastic from the UK’s coast to produce sustainable, recycled eyewear. They transform waste fishing nets into recycled sunglasses that meet the technical demands of adventure, ocean-exposure and UV protection, but also act as ‘symbols of change’ for our oceans. Waterhaul’s mission is to remove waste nets from the oceans and divert them from landfill also.
Alchemic Kitchen
Alchemic Kitchen is a social enterprise based in the North West which works with surplus food. They specialise in making wonderful preserves from locally sourced food that would otherwise be wasted. They step in to rescue food from local farms or markets which has been rejected for being too big, too small, too soft, too ripe, too hard, or simply too much, and use it to whip up unusual and delicious treats and feasts. In the process, they work with local people to enhance their skills and connect communities to the value of good food. For more information see Feedback Global.
Elvis & Kresse
Elvis & Kresse began with a goal to save London's decommissioned fire hose from landfill. For over a decade none of London’s fire hose has gone to landfill and over 200 tons of material has been reclaimed. They create luxury lifestyle accessories by rescuing raw materials and transforming seemingly useless wastes. They combine these with highly skilled, traditional craftsmanship. 50% of their profits from their collections are donated to charities related to the rescued materials. In 2017 Burberry Foundation partnered with Elvis & Kresse to tackle the global problem of leather waste. Elvis & Kresse show that reclaiming waste can be the future of luxury.