At Wates, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society.
That’s why we have partnered with Big Issue as the lead sponsor of its Top 100 Changemakers – a national programme that celebrates 100 people and organisations who are reshaping communities and creating positive change.
Our partnership
Big Issue is one of the UK’s most recognised and respected social enterprises, and for 35 years has had a long-standing mission to ensure everyone has access to a safe, secure and healthy home.
Our purpose at Wates is to reimagine places for people to thrive. We secure planning, deliver new homes with local authority and housing association partners, and maintain over 600,000 social homes nationwide. Our purpose, expertise and core offering directly align with Big Issue’s mission.
This collaboration allows us to support more vulnerable communities and reinforces our commitment to being a bold, purpose-led business.
By combining our expertise, networks and shared values, we aim to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to tackling social inequality.
Changemakers
The Big Issue Top 100 Changemakers initiative was created to celebrate the people and organisations that are tackling some of society’s biggest issues through innovation, leadership and action. We’re proud to support the positive impact they’re making across the UK.
We were delighted to meet many of them in person at the first ever Changemakers event. The energy in the room was truly inspirational. There were speeches, incredible performances and lots of connections made. See more in the video below.
Looking ahead, we will offer selected Changemakers support from our business leaders, offering practical guidance and connections.
Watch our highlights from the Big Issue Changemakers event
Voices from the partnership
Eoghan O’Lionaird
Chief Executive at Wates Group
“This partnership feels so natural for us. Both Wates and Big Issue are driven by a commitment to tackling inequality, creating opportunity and building communities where people can thrive. We believe everyone deserves a route into meaningful work, including those who are furthest from opportunity. As a purpose‑led organisation, Wates has a strong track record of partnering with social enterprises across our operations, while generating social value through every project we deliver. Partnering with Big Issue strengthens that commitment and reinforces our determination to drive positive change where it’s needed most.”
Russell Blackman
Managing Director at Big Issue
“Big Issue launched 35 years ago [1991] with a memorable slogan: ‘A hand up, not a handout.’ Our annual Changemakers list celebrates people who embody that spirit by creating opportunities, supporting communities to build independence and driving positive change for those around them. “I’m thrilled that for the first time we can offer our Changemakers support to scale their work thanks to our new official partner Wates. Their experience, expertise and networks will open up exciting new pathways to help some hugely impressive people and organisations make even more impact.”
Explore our work together
Read our latest partnership stories, which highlight the shared ambitions behind our collaboration and showcase the impact we are working to achieve together.
Our broader commitment to communities
At Wates, we are dedicated to delivering social value through everything we do. Our work with Big Issue is part of a wider programme focused on:
- Supporting local communities.
- Creating employment and training opportunities.
- Promoting inclusion and social mobility.
- Partnering with organisations that drive meaningful change.
Looking ahead, we look forward to sharing stories, impact updates and the voices of those we are working to support.
