- Wates Group has become the official partner of the 2026 Big Issue Top 100 Changemakers, supporting those driving social and housing impact.
- Selected Changemakers will receive mentorship and practical guidance from Wates leaders to help scale their impact.
- From a 15-year-old homelessness campaigner to social enterprises reshaping housing, this year’s Changemakers demonstrate the powerful action happening nationwide.
Wates Group, one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies, has been announced as the official partner of the 2026 Big Issue Top 100 Changemakers. Big Issue has today (Monday 16 February) published the list, revealing its annual reader-nominated picks of people doing good for their communities and society.
For the first time ever, a select group of 2026’s Changemakers will get the opportunity to benefit from direct advice and guidance given by leaders at Wates.
The company will provide access to practical support, constructive challenge and connections that can help scale Changemakers’ operations and increase their social and environmental impact. This builds on Wates’ extensive experience through its Assisting Social Enterprises to Succeed scheme, which over the last five years has mentored more than 20 social-focused businesses, helping them expand their teams, secure new contracts and amplify their impact.
Wates will also support Big Issue in putting on an in-person Changemakers celebration, bringing together the 100 inspiring individuals on the list for the first time later this year.
Amongst the impressive names on this year’s Changemakers list* are:
- Scarlett Chapman (15) who has spent much of her childhood supporting people affected by homelessness. She was only eight when she begun busking in Brighton to raise money for local charities, and she has since raised more than £10,000.
- Good Place Lettings, a social enterprise launched in London by Homes for Good and Crisis to make private renting part of the solution to homelessness.
- Shared Health Foundation which supports children and families living in temporary accommodation while campaigning for system-wide change.
Eoghan O’Lionaird, Chief Executive of Wates Group, said:
“This partnership feels so natural for us. Both Wates and Big Issue are driven by a commitment to tackling inequality, creating opportunity and building communities where people can thrive. We believe everyone deserves a route into meaningful work, including those who are furthest from opportunity.
“As a purpose‑led organisation, Wates has a strong track record of partnering with social enterprises across our operations, while generating social value through every project we deliver. Partnering with Big Issue strengthens that commitment and reinforces our determination to drive positive change where it’s needed most.”
Big Issue’s Changemakers 2026 Special is on sale from today (Monday 16 February). Buy from your local vendor or subscribe at bigissue.com.
Russell Blackman, Managing Director of the Big Issue, said:
“The Big Issue launched 35 years ago this year with a memorable slogan: Rising Up from the Streets. Our annual Changemakers list is a celebration of the people doing just that – whether it be rising up to make marginalised voices heard, or to bring change to their communities and society.
“I’m thrilled that for the first time we can offer our Changemakers support to scale their work thanks to our new official partner Wates. Their experience, expertise and networks will open up exciting new pathways to help some hugely impressive people and organisations make even more impact.”