FuturePlus part of AI solution to redistribute 1.5 million surplus meals

We’re proud and excited to be part of a first of a kind AI solution to redistribute the equivalent of up to 1.5 million surplus meals.

We are collaborating with Sustainable Ventures, Bristol Superlight, FareShare UK, Google Cloud, Howard Tenens Logistics, Nestlé, and Zest (formerly The Wonki Collective) to develop a solution that helps distribute more of the good-to-eat food currently being wasted to people across the UK.

"We’re proud to be working alongside all partners and leveraging the FuturePlus framework to accurately measure and report on the impact of this initiative, helping to ensure its ambitious goals are met.” - Mike Penrose, Co-Founder, FuturePlus

“This pioneering project is just the start, laying the foundation for future innovations that will drive circular economy models and advance sustainability efforts.” - Esra Kasapoglu , Director of AI and Data Economy, Innovate UK

“We are here to bring together corporates with climate tech startups, finding ways to derisk the process and enable sustainable, innovative and commercial solutions to enter the market. This project is only the beginning; watch this space.” - Simon Brown, Corporate Innovation Partner of Sustainable Ventures

“With the country suffering from historically high food poverty and food insecurity rates while food waste continues to rise, focusing on this is the right thing for us as a business to do.” - Dr Emma Keller, Head of Sustainability Nestlé UK & Ireland

“This milestone brings us closer to our shared goal of building a more transparent and sustainable food system.” - Dini McGrath, Co-Founder of Zest (formerly The Wonki Collective):

“By unlocking new efficiencies in systems, we will be able to get more food to those groups and create greater social impact.” - Simon Millard, Director of Food at FareShare

The groundbreaking project is part of Innovate UK’s BridgeAI initiative - which provided a £1.9 million grant which is match-funded for cutting-edge projects intent on harnessing AI to drive productivity and innovation. The consortium will develop and pilot an end-to-end AI led solution that, over the course of the project, will redistribute up to 700 tonnes of quality surplus food - the equivalent of up to 1.5 million meals.

Trials throughout the project are also estimated to prevent up to 1,400 tonnes of CO2 being emitted and deliver up to £14 million of cost savings.

Wildsmith publishes first Impact Report with FuturePlus

IMPACT CERTIFIED Wildsmith Skin recently launched its first Impact Report, offering a transparent look at the conscious choices the company makes.

Inspired by the connection between mind, body and planet, Wildsmith creates clinically proven, science-based products and experiences to transform skin health and support wellbeing.

Wildsmith's 2024 Impact Report marks a milestone in the company's sustainability journey; allowing the business to reflect on the progress it has made; the principles that guide it; and the path forward.

“We dedicate significant time, effort, and resources to developing products that are as sustainable as possible. This includes researching new materials, improving our manufacturing processes, and ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility. We are proud of the progress we have made so far and remain committed to leading the way in sustainability within our industry.” - Katherine Pye, General Manager, Wildsmith Skin

Congratulations to Katherine, Octavia, Zena and the whole Wildsmith team on the publication of the report.

Click here for the full report.

SURI and Champneys included in The Times Best Places to Work list#

Huge congratulations to the teams at FuturePlus members, SURI and Champneys on being named in The Times Best Places to Work list.

A well-deserved recognition for the two businesses that clearly puts its people first, from flexible working and mental health support to meaningful team initiatives and a truly inclusive culture.

The Times Best Places to Work is decided based on anonymous employee surveys that assess six key areas: Reward & Recognition, Pride in the organisation, Information Sharing, Empowerment, Wellbeing and Job Satisfaction

To qualify, companies must meet minimum survey response rates (e.g. 60% for small businesses) and achieve a minimum engagement score of 70%.

Does Social Value Help SMEs Win Contracts?

Join us for a Breakfast Forum with Workspace and FuturePlus, exploring how SMEs across London are using Social Impact & Social Value to win contracts - from government tenders to corporate supply chains.

We're delighted to be joined by Tricia Blatherwick from AutogenAI, the World's leading AI powered Bid and Proposal Platform, and who brings over 25 years of strategic sales experience and a proven track record of securing high-value contracts across public and private sectors including Atos, Capita, Serco, and DXC Technology, securing over £5bn of new business.

Tricia understands firsthand how businesses can leverage competitive advantages - including social value - to win in today's marketplace.

Hosted at Workspace Group’s Fleet Street, located on London’s iconic publishing street in Blackfriars, on Wednesday 25th June from 9:00 – 11:00am. In an increasingly competitive landscape, Social Value has shifted from 'nice to have' to a commercial necessity.

Major contractors now weigh Social Value at 10-20% of tender scores, whilst private sector clients increasingly demand evidence of community impact.

This event is designed for SMEs who are bidding for public sector contracts, part of large corporate supply chains or looking to turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

Click here to register.