Social Firms UK

• How & who to contact Social Firms UK
• Selection of previous media coverage
• Recommended reading for journalists   

How & who to contact Social Firms UK

For media enquiries, please contact the Marketing & Communications Manager, Social Firms UK, Suite 2,  Victoria House, 10 Brighton Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 6QZ   Tel: 01737 231360  or email us.  

Selection of previous media coverage  

• "Social Firms: too much subsidisation kills entrepreneurial spirit" (Euro Activ, Prague, September 2009).

European governments should do more to encourage disabled and disadvantaged people into the workforce, says Sally, but she warns that too much subsidisation can "kill the entrepreneurial spirit".

• "Necessity is the mother of invention" (The Guardian Website, 24.09.08)

This article about CSR is written by Social Firms UK CEO, Sally Reynolds. The piece encourages businesses to take a more hands on approach to CSR, especially in the light of the credit crunch. Private sector companies are encouraged to either buy from, buddy or set up Social Firms and to attend the Double Impact event on 13 November 2008.

• Audio interviews with social entrepreneurs (Smallbizpod, 27.02.08)

Smallbizpod (www.smallbizpod.co.uk), conducted several interviews that discuss the importance of Social Firms as follows:

• Nigel Kershaw, chairman of the Big Issue and ceo of Big Issue Invest.  These organisations have established innovative ways to invest in social enterprises. Alex and Nigel talk about the challenges and priorities of social enterprise, prevention rather than philanthropy, desire for change and the social enterprise venture fund.
• Sally Reynolds, ceo of Social Firms UK talks about the Social Firms model, her work, inspiration, the launch of the Star Social Firms quality mark, the importance of social and economic inclusion, the challenge of running a social firm and funding.
• Jenny Sims, ceo of Pembrokeshire FRAME with some very practical advice on running a social firm including social accounting, establishing a diverse board and managing all staff equally to get the best from people and identifying their talents and skills whatever their ability.   

• "Caring commerce" (The Grapevine Magazine, December 07)

Sally Reynolds, CEO of Social Firms UK talked to this personnel magazine about how Social Firms can help disadvantaged people and the first five Star Social Firms. 

• "Another way into work" (Society Guardian, 18.12.07)

Sally Reynolds, CEO of Social Firms UK talks about how Social Firms can help disadvantaged people.

• "Finding a Star Social Firm" (Society Guardian, 18.12.09)

This item gives a brief description of the first five Social Firms to be awarded the Star Social Firm quality mark.

• "Tackling the mental health taboo" (Guardian blog page 'Joe Public', December 07)

This article calls for a change in attitude towards people with mental health problems and outlines how Social Firms are supporting this group of people. 

• "Don't discount the disabled" (www.realbusiness.co.uk, 03.12.07)

• Coverage of The Soap Co. Keswick Shop Opening By Mayor  (misc local papers, March 07)

• Opening of The Soap Co. Keswick (Border TV, March 07)

This video is held on You Tube. (N.B. the volume automatically starts on silent so just increase the volume via the button shown on the screen.)

• "What is the meaning of Social Firms?"  (Social Enterprise Magazine, Feb 07)

• "Driving your social enterprise forward"  (In Touch Magazine, Summer 06)

• "Innovative business employing disabled people to open in Norwich"  (In Touch Magazine, Spring 06)

• "Breaking barriers"   (New Sector Magazine, Dec 05/Jan06)

• "Forth Sector: soap, hope and success"  (Social Enterprise Magazine, Feb 05)

• "In the market for ..... soap"   (Social Enterprise Magazine, Feb 05)

• "Forth Sector cleans up Edinburgh"  (Social Enterprise Magazine Dec 2004/Jan 2005)

Recommended Reading For Journalists

• "What's the story: reporting mental health & suicide"

Shift has produced a handbook to help the media improve public understanding of mental illness. 'What's The Story?' gives practical advice to the media on covering mental illness and suicide. The guidance gives journalists advice on how to avoid causing needless offence to the many readers, viewers and listeners affected by mental health problems and how to avoid sensationalising stories. To download a copy visit www.shift.org.uk/mediahandbook.