The Good Business Manifesto highlights the crucial role businesses can play in addressing major societal and environmental challenges facing the UK. By fostering purpose-driven business practices and strategic government partnerships, it outlines the key reforms to enable businesses to thrive while contributing positively to society and the economy.

To achieve policy priorities without putting further strain on the public purse, the UK government needs to work business. Based on a review of eight government-business partnership models, this report shows how the UK government could join forces with business to solve some of the UK’s most complex social and environmental challenges.

The paper  - From Fragmentation to Integration: Embedding Social Issues in Sustainable Finance - aims to generate momentum within the financial system to tackle inequality and improve a common understanding of the social impacts of a market-based economy.

This report highlights the opportunity to use the current labour crisis as a catalyst to encourage more businesses to intentionally seek to employ those that have traditionally been distant from the labour market. It emphasises the need to bridge the awareness-action gaps, improving data quality for investors, and implementing financial incentives to encourage businesses to engage.

In this spotlight report we present a summary of key findings and statistics from The Good Jobs Project report called “The Purpose-Driven Business Solution to the UK’s Labour Shortage”, including a focus on the West Midlands region. We present key statistics from our Good Jobs Project survey at a national level, as well as providing the views of employers that were surveyed in the region.

This report highlights the disparities in employers' awareness, intentions, and actions regarding the recruitment of young people from marginalized backgrounds and emphasises the need for coordinated efforts across business, government, and civil society to improve employment pathways and support for these individuals.

This report was originally published by Youth Futures Foundation as part of the Good Jobs Project.

Solve for S explores the social aspects of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). It sheds light on different understandings of ESG that complicate obtaining a common understanding, offers insights into how businesses can approach societal impact, measure social impacts, and form partnerships with civil society for positive outcomes.

The report outlines a three-point plan to empower purpose-driven businesses, providing actionable recommendations for global impact measurement leadership, creating a clear legal framework, and enhancing support for companies addressing societal challenges. Emphasizing the benefits of purpose-driven approaches, the report underscores the need for timely action.

This discussion paper explores what is slowing the growth of purpose-driven businesses and their ability to contribute positively to society and the environment. It identifies four key challenges—Identification, Incorporation, Investment, and Impact Measurement—that collectively form the systemic foundations limiting the potential impact of purpose-driven enterprises.

This comprehensive report explores the transformative potential of businesses to address societal challenges. Grounded in extensive evidence, it contends that purpose-driven businesses not only contribute positively to society and the environment but also enjoy sustained success, attracting talent, fostering customer loyalty, and outperforming in financial metrics. It examines key areas such as social inequality, well-being, climate change, and the circular economy.

This report emphasises the importance of businesses operating with a purpose beyond profit. It delves into the attributes of purpose-driven businesses and provides a framework for evaluating their authenticity through criteria such as intent, business model, governance, operations, and measurement of impact. It advocates for businesses that aim to provide profitable solutions to societal and environmental issues.