Measuring social impact
We report regularly and in detail to our investors on the social/environmental impact as well as the commercial and financial progress of each of our investments. We also seek to innovate and develop new ways of measuring social impact.
Social returns are measured using the Bridges Ventures IMPACT Scorecard and reported to investors alongside their financial returns.
Our Venture Funds deliver social returns across four impact themes:
Underserved Areas
Location in an underserved area
- Located in the most deprived 25% of the country, as measured using the Government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation
Fostering entrepreneurs
- Managers in investee companies acting as role models that inspire others
- Bridges Ventures works hard to augment boards and management teams
Creating jobs
- Growth in and quality of direct jobs in company within target area
- Number of people taken out of unemployment
Creating economic dynamism
- Spending on suppliers and employees plus additional spending generated within local economy
- Growth in economic activity of company within target area and impact of this on economic activity of supply chain
- Economic activity created by construction
Environment
Measures and practices that minimise the environmental footprint of business operations.
(e.g. The Office Group installing a green roof and a water harvesting system)
Education & Skills
Promotion of the education of a business’ customers, employees or local community.
(e.g. New Career Skills retrains plumbers and electricians)
Health & Well-being
Promotion of the health and well-being of the business’ customers, employees or local community.
(e.g. Chill Factor giving a discount to school children during off peak hours to encourage them to do sporting activity)
Our social impact process
Social screen
We set clear social impact criteria of location or sector, then use strictly commercial criteria to select between those companies that pass our social screen. We are looking for investments that can be winners commercially as well as doing good.
Engagement
Through the Bridges Ventures IMPACT Scorecard we work with the companies we back to look for ways to improve their community and environmental impacts while also increasing the value of the businesses.
Reporting
We report to our investors on the social impact of the companies we back as well as their financial and commercial performance.
Download the Bridges Ventures IMPACT Report 2011
