10 businesses that are making a difference right now

We love an ethical business or a social enterprise here at threads. There’s so many amazing people doing innovative, creative things that we thought we’d compile a list of 10 of our most recent discoveries (with special thanks to threads intern Juliet, for her hard work in compiling many of these):

1. Bramber Bakehouse
   An artisan bakery that gives exploited women second chances, by providing internships, training and support that help them get back on their feet.
2. Doncaster Refurnish

   They promote recycling and environmentally sustainable living by collecting and restoring furniture and then re-selling these pieces at affordable prices. Affordable furniture + stopping waste = what’s not to like here? Good ol’ Donny.

3. The Collective
   A Mozambique-based social enterprise, creating stunning fashion. All proceeds go toward providing education and training opportunities for survivors of sexual slavery.
4. Snact
   Snact makes deliciously sustainable snacks from unwanted fruits – so it’s good for you, and good for the environment. Plus, the packaging is cute, so pure #deskgoals.
5. Kelvin Valley Honey
   A collective of Scottish beekeepers have started a social enterprise, making local Scottish honey and then using the proceeds from sales to train people from low-income backgrounds to take up bee-keeping. Get in touch to find stockists!
6. Clean Break
   Clean Break are a woman’s theater company that runs a training and education programme for women with experience of the criminal justice system. They’re all about helping participants to develop the personal, social, professional and creative skills that often lead to education and employment. Check out their website to find out news on upcoming productions.
7. Rejuice
   Maker of delicious, cold-pressed juices. Their aim is to save large amounts of whole, raw, local, seasonal, fruits and vegetables from going to landfill and thereby turning the fruits into juice. The juices are local, seasonal and have no added colours, sugars or flavours.
8. The Soap Company
   Maker of gorgeous soap products, this social enterprise providing training and work opportunities for people who are visually impaired, have disabilities or are otherwise disadvantaged. As if that wasn’t great enough, products are made in a traditional workshop in the Lake District.
9. The Book Reserve
   A Belfast-based online bookstore (for used books) is obviously a very good thing. What makes it even better is that it’s a social enterprise designed to support young, at-risk parents. Their website is currently under construction, so follow them on Facebook.
10. Crack and Cider
    If you want to give something more helpful to the homeless than some loose change, this online shop is a place where you can buy essential items for London’s rough sleepers.