STUDENTS from the Clere School learnt recently about what it means to run a social enterprise from one of its trailblazers.

Kirsten Thompson (pictured above) from The Big Issue visited the school on January 11 to discuss how running a social enterprise benefits many people and its extended community.

Social enterprise is a not-for-profit business with a social mission and Government ministers have this year announced a plan to help encourage more people to make financial investments that have a positive impact on the world – addressing poverty, environmental problems, or lack of inclusion.

Big Issue Invest – the social investment arm of The Big Issue Group – has led the way in this field for over a decade.

Launched in 2005, Big Issue Invest helped kickstart the sector and grow the relationship between big investors and social enterprises with bright ideas.

Ms Thompson said: “I’m grateful to The Clere School for letting me to talk to their pupils. There are a lot of misconceptions about The Big Issue and what we are trying to achieve.”