Inspired by the experiences of unique business leaders combining a strong sense of service and compassion with enterprise to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, we set about looking for ways to support their work.
The result of our extensive research is "4th Sector Entrepreneurship: How to grow sustainable social impact… without losing your mind."
Providing a wealth of tools and ideas to support it quickly reached #1 on Amazon Kindle.
Find out more, and download the first two chapters for FREE, below.
Reason behind the book
One of the few things that people can agree on at a time of so much fractious debate is that our society is faced with a host of what can sometimes seem like insurmountable problems.
Innovation is essential to finding solutions.
We believe there is a need to recognise a new sector of the economy, where the enterprise of business mixes with the sense of service of government and the compassion of not-for-profit to create an exciting space where innovation for substantial social good can truly thrive.
It's time to start talking clearly, coherently, and consistently about the 4th Sector: one defined more by the attitude and intent of its leaders and their organisations than any legal definition or structure.
An increasing number of brave individuals are exhibiting a relationship with money that clashes with traditional commercial entrepreneurship, a restlessness that makes them ill-suited to the public sector, and a willingness to embrace risk to achieve their aims that clashes with the charity sector.
However, although these attitudes make them distinct, they can also result in a frustration of not being understood and a feeling of isolation because they don't fit in.
We hope that, in defining the 4th Sector, a checklist of attributes emerge that 4th Sector entrepreneurs can use to initiate themselves into the club and recognise fellow comrades.
Wow – what a book. It is a most comprehensive review of the widest range of good practices, excellent process to adopt and ideas to implement. You have clearly – with academic rigour investigated many sources – and included many of the best bits. It was so comprehensive that I see it as ‘the definitive guide to help and support the creation of a successful enterprise.
Raoul Pinnell
Chairman of Bromley Healthcare CIC
Begins with an exploration of the concept of the 4th sector – a place where social businesses draw upon the discipline and savvy of the commercial sector combined with the values of the charitable sector in order to create something innovative and dynamic. The argument for the existence of the 4th sector is well made and the rest of the book is a guide for those of us operating in this environment. Includes an impressive range of business models and techniques. Packed full of ideas and fresh approaches with something new, even for an old hand like myself! Highly recommend
Brendan O'Keefe
Non-executive Director of Epic CIC
A great resource for social entrepreneurs helping them to build more successful social enterprises more quickly to address the increasing social and environmental challenges we face today.
Sophi Tranchell
Group CEO Divine Chocolate Ltd
I have found the book incredibly useful. Really accessible. You can read cover to cover or dip in to particular sections. It is a true toolbox of simple and practical models which I return to time and again and am building in to my day to day work.
KAt Sowden
Managing Director of Persona Care & Support
I really enjoyed the book. It provides a clear and logical framework of guidance for both new or more experienced leaders. If only I had it when we first spun out!
David Osborne
Managing Director of Catalyst Choices CIC
From the breadth and depth of direct quotes and examples from successful social entrepreneurs that have been included, it is clear that the authors have a huge wealth of direct experience. On top of that the book is well written and very accessible. If you run a social enterprise or thinking of setting one up then this book is a must.
Dave Patterson
Founder & Digital Director of Cyberlogical
I've had the pleasure of working with and learning from Ben and Bubble Chamber for years. This book is a wonderful and practical distillation of their first-hand expertise, their unique approach, and their tactical (not to mention refreshing) style. Every entrepreneur, particularly those focused on the social / environmental space, will find immense value here; this is a practical field guide that you'll revisit over and over again, particularly when navigating choppy waters.
Carlos Miranda
Founder of Social Misfits Media
PArt one
What is the 4th Sector, and why is it needed? This first chapter also looks at the difficulties it creates for you as leaders in having to serve multiple masters and asks why anyone would choose to become a 4th Sector Entrepreneur.
PArt two
Some practical ways in which you can lay a solid foundation that allows you to work on your enterprise rather than in it.
PArt three
Looks at how Clarity of Leadership is built on three principles – Clarity for the Individual Leader, Clarity of The Big Result and Clarity of Market Positioning – and how this clarity can be communicated to everyone involved with your organisation using a tool called Strategy on a Page.
PArt four
An overview of the key areas you need to consider. Also introducing our fourth principle, which is that Talent – hiring, developing, and retaining the right people – is the most crucial strategy of them all.
PArt five
Explaining our final three principles – Clarity of Measurement, Clarity of Execution and Clarity of Communication – which, together, form the backbone of your organisational culture.
PArt six
Introduces some meeting structures that bring everything together in a highly practical, day-to-day way.
