Deloitte initiative seeks most innovative social firms

Deloitte recently launched a search for the most innovative social businesses in the UK for its 'Super Pioneers' programme, aimed at supporting them with plans to increase employability and job opportunities in the UK, Middle East and Africa. Super Pioneers is part of the Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneers initiative.

Social Innovation Pioneers
The Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneers programme has been established by Deloitte in 2012 with the aim of supporting socially innovative businesses in the UK to overcome business challenges enabling them to “grow to scale and become investment-ready.” Every year the consulting firm selects businesses, the so-called Pioneers, it will support, offering them access to a broad range of services within Deloitte. This includes support in the form of a relationship team, knowledge sharing, pro bono advice, access to clients & networking opportunities, assistance with implementation of supply chain and procurement opportunities, and PR & promotion.

Since its start three years ago, Deloitte has invested £2.5 million into the Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneers through 10,000 hours of pro bono and volunteering. The average growth in turnover among the Pioneers was 45% in the first year and 38% in the second year and a total of 160 jobs have been created in the two years.

Super Pioneers
This year the Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneers is launching a new initiative, titled the ‘Super Pioneers’. This four year-long programme will support social businesses that improve employability skills and employment opportunities in the UK, Middle East and Africa and have ambitious plans to grow their business and scale their social impact over the next 12-18 months.

Deloitte recently opened its search to find 10-12 Super Pioneers for its programme and has pledged to invest more than £1 million worth of employees’ time and skills in the social innovative businesses that are selected.