New eBay program to connect 29 million UK shoppers with social enterprises

“We believe that business can be a force for positive change and social enterprises are the living and breathing example of how this can be achieved.”

eBay UK is launching a global shop front for social enterprises through a new program that aims to create jobs for vulnerable communities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19. 

The eBay for Change program will be delivered in partnership with Social Enterprise UK and the World Fairtrade Organisation, and promotes small businesses which reinvest their profits back into marginalised communities in the UK or abroad.

A hub on eBay UK will connect its 29 million UK shoppers with up to 50 social enterprises, and the number of businesses trading on the hub is expected to grow significantly over time.

Chris Gale, head of social impact of eBay UK, said the company wanted to be a part of building a fairer and ultimately more sustainable economy post-COVID.

“We believe that business can be a force for positive change and social enterprises are the living and breathing example of how this can be achieved,” Gale said.

“With 300,000 small businesses successful trading on eBay UK we have proven technological expertise to bring millions of shoppers to these.”

This initiative is part of a three-year multi-million pound training and finance support package from eBay UK that will support social enterprises across the nation. 

The package of support will include zero fees, one to one digital skills training and a significant marketing investment to help the social enterprise sector that accounts for 2 million jobs in the UK.

Peter Holbrook, the CEO of Social Enterprise UK, said he was thrilled by the partnership and what it would mean for the sector.

“We are delighted to be working with eBay to use their scale and reach to help social enterprises to grow and continue to drive positive change across communities both in the UK and around the world,” Holbrook said.

The Goodwash Company is a social enterprise selling luxury soap and wash products that will be part of the eBay for Change platform.

Founder Mandy Powell said social impact was at the heart of everything the business did and she was excited for the opportunities the hub would bring. 

“We use our profits and our business model to support local sustainable projects that make a real difference,” Powell said.

“For example during the first lockdown, Goodwash donated over 20,000 wash packages for staff and patients to the NHS trust in England and Wales.  

“The more people buy, the more good we can do – with eBay’s reach, we are excited about what this means.”