Research of a magazine published by Dennis: The Big Issue

The Big Issue

Their mission

'To dismantle poverty by creating opportunity, through self-help, social trading and business solutions' Their slogan is 'A hand up, not a hand out'

Background

Launched in 1991 as a response to the growing numbers of homeless people in London.
It offers people who are homeless to earn a legitimate income through selling a magazine to the public.
Vendors buy The Big Issue for £1.25 and sell it for £2.50
More than 200 million copies have been sold
92,000 people have sold The Big Issue
In the last 25 years, vendors have earned £115 million
83,073 copies sold each week
Dennis Publishing supports the magazine with the publication.

Big Issue Invest

Founded in 2005
Finances the growth of sustainable social enterprises and charities across the UK by offering loans or investment.
Big Issue Invest currently manages or advises on £150 million of social funds.
Since 2005 it has invested in 300 social enterprises/charities.

The Big Issue Foundation

Founded in 1995
The Big Issue Foundation is an independently funded registered charity.
The foundation works with vendors connecting them to the support that they need to rebuild their lives.
In the last 10 years, the foundation has achieved 40,000 positive outcomes for vendors.

The Big Issue Shop

Aim is to offer a platform for social trading that will make ethical and social shopping an accessible option.
They sell their own products as well as products from other social businesses (organisations that put people and the planet first).

Content

Features stories based on: social activism, politics, finance, environment, technology, health, food, sport and cultural topics.
Magazines normally just feature one main image-usually a person.
Use lots of colour on the cover.
Features stories and tips from celebrities rather than celebrity gossip.
72% of readers are ABC1. 43% are AB.

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