Problem

The UK faces profound environmental risks that will affect the economy, quality of life and the well-being of the future generations. Public understanding of and/or engagement with environmental issues and sustainable remains low in the United Kingdom.

Solution

Hubbub fills this gap by providing a fresh, fun and enjoyable approaches to communicating and helping solve environmental issues, focusing on people’s passions such as fashion, food, homes and neighbourhoods. The loan supported the organisation to continue to invest in growth by launching their own professionally managed “vlogging” (video blogging) channel, helping Hubbub increase their audience and reach. Partnerships with major brands and retailers will also promote a joint sustainability message to a larger and more targeted audience.

Revenue model

Thanks to their new vlogging channel, Hubbub has won several new contracts with corporates and foundations. Hubbub expects to bring in an additional £200k of income per year through this vlogging channel by tapping into the large marketing budgets of major brands to promote a joint sustainability message to a larger and more targeted audience.

Impact

It is this pioneering approach to solving real environmental problems at scale that helps explain how Hubbub reaches people across a range of age groups and backgrounds, from students, to stay at home mums and to elderly people suffering from fuel poverty.

In partnership with Mothercare, Hubbub redistributed 20,000 items of baby clothing to 2,000 UK families struggling to make ends meet. They recycled 500,000 disposable coffee cups in one month in the Square Mile of London and recycled 30,000 coffee cups from one street in Manchester. They have also led on the distribution of a £750,000 grant fund from Sainsbury’s to over 30 community-based food waste campaigns.

Investor

CAF Venturesome supports charities, social enterprises and community land trusts with affordable social investments of £25,000 to over £400,000.  Since 2002, they have made over 550 social investments totalling £45m – supporting a diverse range of social organisations to sustain and grow their impact.

Hubbub has made huge strides over the past year to reach new people and expand its social impact – their fabulous vlogging channel is just another great example of this.

       Head of Venturesome, Holly Piper

CAF Venturesome is one of the few funders Hubbub could turn to for investment funding for this project. Their team took time to understand exactly what we were trying to achieve, they challenged assumptions and helped us refine our thinking approach. As a result, we have a stronger concept and will work with the CAF Venturesome team to ensure we deliver wider societal impact and financial return.

      Trewin Restorick, CEO/Funder