Major UK Companies Launch Social Value Commission to Drive Local Investment
Some of Britain's most prominent companies have joined forces to establish a new coalition aimed at overcoming barriers to investment in communities across the country. The Social Value Commission, which will officially launch on Friday, brings together housebuilding giant Barratt Redrow, Heathrow Airport, and outsourcing leader Mitie alongside other major corporations.
Broad Business Coalition Seeks Government Support
The newly formed commission has already written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to request Treasury backing for its ambitious initiative. In addition to the founding members, the coalition includes energy supplier E.ON UK, telecommunications provider VodafoneThree, real estate group Knight Dragon, and Pension Insurance Corporation.
In their letter to the Chancellor, the group outlined their commitment to financing and delivering community-led investment and private sector initiatives throughout the UK. Their focus areas include regeneration projects, mobile and transport connectivity improvements, skills development programmes, housebuilding schemes, and renewable energy projects.
Comprehensive Public Engagement Planned
The Social Value Commission has announced plans to conduct extensive polling and focus groups across Britain to better understand public perceptions about investment in local areas. This research will examine how residents view existing and new developments in their communities, what factors contribute to thriving neighbourhoods, and how private sector investment can deliver positive change in people's lives.
The timing of the commission's launch is particularly significant, coming amid reports about the government's £5bn Pride in Place programme, which is expected to target dozens of areas that Reform UK may contest in the next general election.
Roadshows and Policy Recommendations
The commission plans to organise roadshows with regional authorities, universities, and various stakeholders including civic organisations. These events will help identify economic, social, and cultural barriers to investment in regeneration and infrastructure projects.
Later this year, the group intends to publish a policy paper containing recommendations for how central and local government can collaborate more effectively with the private sector to boost community investment across the country.
Expert Secretariat to Guide Commission
The operational management of the Social Value Commission will be handled by WPI Strategy, a public affairs firm with experience overseeing similar initiatives. The company has previously managed projects focused on economic recovery from COVID-19 and improving UK productivity, bringing valuable expertise to this new venture.
The commission's formation represents a significant private sector response to the government's ambition to get Britain building again while ensuring that investment delivers genuine social value to communities throughout the nation.
