Big Issue History

The Big Issue was launched in 1991 by Gordon Roddick and A. John Bird in response to the growing number of rough sleepers on the streets of London. Roddick, who also co-founded The Body Shop, was inspired by a newspaper called Street News, which was sold on the streets of New York. Upon his return from America he enlisted the help of Bird, who had experience in the print trade and who had himself slept rough. The two believed that the key to solving the problem of homelessness lay in helping people to help themselves, and were therefore determined to offer a legitimate alternative to begging.

This they did when the magazine hit the streets in September of the same year, initially as a monthly publication sold by ten vendors in London. In June 1993 the title went weekly, and regional editions soon followed. There are currently 5 editions of the magazine which collectively cover the whole of the UK - Big Issue Scotland, Big Issue Wales, Big Issue in the North, Big Issue South West & the original Big Issue.

In November 1995 The Big Issue Foundation (a registered charity) was created with the aim of tackling the underlying issues which cause homelessness, and supporting vendors in their journey away from the streets. Since its creation the Foundation has provided services and referrals to address issues around housing, health, finances, education and employment. It also exists to support vendors in fulfilling their personal aspirations.

The Big Issue is also an international entity, having lent its trademark to social entrepreneurs throughout the world. A version of the magazine is published in Australia, Japan, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi & Namibia. The organisation is a founding member of The International Network of Streetpapers which represents the interests of over 80 similiar social businesses in 37 countries. It has proved itself to be an enduring and flexible business model which continues to provide opportunity for homeless people the world over.

The Big Issue is a business solution to a social problem, demonstrating that an organisation can succeed whilst being simultaneously driven by commercial aims and social objectives. It has helped thousands of individuals to regain control of their lives and has simultaneously altered public perceptions of homeless people. And through its editorial content the magazine has informed, challenged and entertained millions of people.