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Issue 1275 - Next Big Idea

Don't have a vendor nearby? Then buy your copy of our award-winning magazine here.

This week, we celebrate 26 years of The Big Issue. More than a quarter of a century of unparalleled journalism, exclusive news and interviews, the greatest covers to hit the streets and as always, offering a hand up, not a hand out.

In our special birthday issue, we explore sociable trading at its very best. First, Big Issue founder Lord John Bird tells the story behind The Gardener’s Lament tea towel, a big idea with the power to change the world.

From a tea towel to the world, we look at how a simple concept grew into our Big Issue Shop – an online marketplace selling top-quality products, all with a social echo. From one of the world’s oldest social enterprises, to makers of ties that send kids to school for a year with every purchase, our global map shows off a world of opportunity.

Please note once this edition is no longer on sale with Big Issue vendors it will be classed as a 'back issue'. All back issues are priced at £4 per copy plus P&P

The Big Issue

The Big Issue's own-brand products support the creation of a range of work-based opportunities for disadvantaged people.
Big Issue has spent over 30 years at the helm of self-help revolution. It all began with the launch of The Big Issue magazine in 1991, which was created to offer homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income by selling a magazine on the streets. Since then over 200 million copies magazine have been sold by over 100,000 people. Vendors buy the magazine upfront for £1.75 and sell it on to the public for £4.00, and in doing so each runs their own micro-enterprise. In 2005 Big Issue Invest was launched, with the aim of extending The Big Issue's mission by financing the growth of social enterprises and charities across the UK. To date the organisation has directly invested in over 350 such organisations, and manages or advises on more than £170 million of social funds.
Read all about The Big Issue

The Big Issue big sellers

Support The Big Issue
Issue 1607 - Eric Cantona £4.00 GBP
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Issue 1606 - Cate Blanchett £4.00 GBP
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Issue 1604 - Time for a budget reboot £4.00 GBP
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Issue 1603 - Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley £4.00 GBP
See all The Big Issue items
Supporting the Makers (icon)

SUPPORTING THE MAKERS

Our suppliers create opportunities for disadvantaged people

Protecting the planet (icon)

PROTECTING THE PLANET

Our products are sourced with sustainability in mind

A hand up, not hand out (icon)

A HAND UP, NOT HAND OUT

We’re striving to dismantle poverty through social trading