We have published our latest Social Value Report, showing how our work, spending and day-to-day business activity are creating positive economic, social and environmental impact.

During the reporting period (12 months), we’ve supported 50 full-time equivalent roles, generating £2.28 million in economic value for the region, spent £274,176.43 with local SMEs, creating a further £300,769.69 in social value, alongside £7,959.54 spent with other local suppliers, generating an additional £8,668.28.

Our contribution also extends directly into the communities around us. We invested £6,937.59 in community projects and charities, while colleagues completed 60 hours of volunteering, creating £1,048.80 in social value. We also provided 13 hours of skills-based support to local students, helping them build confidence, gain experience and explore future career opportunities.

The report sets out the steps we are taking to reduce our environmental impact, including reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions, lowering car mileage through greener transport choices and cutting plastic use across the business.

To build on this work, we have established a Socially Conscious Working Group, bringing together colleagues from across Explain to shape future activity and ensure social value remains embedded in how we operate.

Holly Shiel-Redfern, our co-owner and director said, “Our focus moving forward is to ensure that Explain continues to create lasting, measurable impact across the economic, social and environmental pillars that underpin our socially conscious strategy.

“At Explain, we have always believed that a successful business should create value far beyond the services it delivers. This report gives us a meaningful way to measure the difference we are making, whether that is supporting local jobs, investing in our communities or becoming a more environmentally responsible business.

“Social value is not a standalone initiative for us; it is part of how we work every day. Having this baseline means we can continue to challenge ourselves, build on what we have achieved and create an even greater positive impact in the years ahead.”

Using the nationally recognised TOMS (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) Framework, the report provides an evidence-based assessment of our contribution to local employment, community investment and environmental responsibility. The TOMS Framework is widely used across the UK to measure and validate social value, helping organisations quantify the economic, social and environmental impact they create beyond their financial performance.

Read the full Social Value Report to explore the figures, activity and commitments behind our impact.

Download the report