o The

big issue was launched in 1991 by Gordan Roddick and

John Bird as a magazine with a difference with the intent to
transform the lives of London’s homeless.
o Its slogan is “ A hand up, not a hand down”
o It supports homeless people and those wantng out of poverty.
o Vendors buy the magazine for £1.25 and sell it for £2.50.
o It is put together by pros.
o The magazine has gone global with it being in places such as
Australia, japan, Korea, south Africa and beyond.
o The company don’t want vendors to be treated as charity cases,
they want this to be a learning opportunity .
o It creates and gives social opportunities
o Since 1991 over 200 mllion copies have been sold in Britain
alone.
o Social purpose
o Trades also with a social purpose can feature and sell on the
big issue shop.
o Each buyer makes a difference.