Big Society Capital wants social Impact investment ‘to double’ in next four years

Big Society Capital has revealed a fresh strategy that aims to double the size of UK social impact investment by 2025.

The social investment body aims to focus on four priority markets to stimulate growth. These are social and affordable housing, impact venture, social lending and social outcomes contracts.

Growth of between £10bn to £15bn is the aim by 2025. This doubles 2019’s estimated size of the social investment market of £5.1bn.

In addition, Big Society Capital aims to focus on innovation to create “new social impact investment solutions”

“Big Society Capital is proud to have supported the social impact investment market in its recent successes – from growing from £830 million in 2011 to £5.1 billion in 2019, to staying resilient amidst months of uncertainty,” said Big Society Capital chief executive Stephen Muers.

“We have been inspired by the incredible work done by both investors and frontline organisations to continue supporting communities that have needed it the most during these challenging times.

“I am thrilled that Big Society Capital can play a part in driving the next stage forward – where we are confident that both social and financial impact will be able to scale even more quickly and effectively, in turn improving more lives.

Read the latest blog from our CEO, @stephenmuers, to learn more about our next strategy cycle and our vision for the social impact investment market. https://t.co/4mQxfirTqE pic.twitter.com/QJ6tCdLoKd
— Big Society Capital (@BigSocietyCap) September 15, 2021

Muers added that the market needs to be bolstered to support communities tackle social challenges to arise from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is an extremely significant time for social impact investing,” said Muers.

“The pandemic has highlighted the need for sources of capital to address entrenched social challenges and inequalities. We are seeing more investors than ever – from individuals to private institutions and public bodies – wanting to achieve social impact alongside financial returns.

“Big Society Capital has an important role to play in seizing this opportunity as we build on our track record of supporting the market – and we look forward to working with partners to take this movement to the next level.”