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176
•
2 Dec 2025
•
Understanding the Major Topics
E
Ella
@ella_usek
1 / 5
The Big Issue Origins and Mission
The Big Issue started in 1991, founded by Gordon and Anita Roddick (who also created The Body Shop). Unlike traditional businesses focused on profit, this social enterprise has one clear goal: ending homelessness through opportunity, not charity.
Their motto "A hand up not a hand out" perfectly captures their approach. Instead of simply giving money to homeless people, they create micro-businesses. Vendors buy magazines for £1.75 and sell them for £4, keeping the profit – it's about dignity and entrepreneurship, not begging.
The context is stark: over 4,000 people are homeless in the UK, and without an address, they can't access basic services like healthcare, jobs, or even get ID. The Big Issue breaks this cycle by providing legitimate income that can lead to stable housing.
Key Stats: Over 2,000 vendors across the UK (90% men, 50% have families), earning an average of £100 weekly, with Christmas sales hitting 250,000 copies.
Real Stories and Celebrity Support
The reality of homelessness is more complex than stereotypes suggest. As documentary maker Stacy Dooley revealed, 100,000 young people risk homelessness annually, often due to family breakdown or discrimination. Some vendors even have jobs – proving that you can be "as little as 3 pay cheques away from homelessness."
Prince William famously sold the magazine, providing massive celebrity endorsement through the two-step flow theory. This royal backing legitimised the brand and its mission to mainstream audiences.
The magazine's front cover design is deliberately sophisticated – no flashy colours or sensationalist headlines. The desaturated masthead works like Vogue's iconic branding, but serves a completely different purpose: celebrating the mission, not profit.
Smart Strategy: Celebrity endorsements aren't just about sales – they help combat negative stereotypes and show that supporting homeless people is socially acceptable.
Breaking Stereotypes Through Representation
The Big Issue excels at creating counter-stereotypes that challenge how we view homeless people. Their content pages immediately humanise vendors with high-key lighting and direct eye contact, making them approachable rather than threatening.
Features like Grayson Perry's "Letter to my younger self" are particularly powerful. Perry, an artist and transvestite, represents multiple marginalised groups, showing that homeless people can be talented, successful, and diverse. This links to Judith Butler's ideas about gender performance and challenging societal expectations.
The "Moving On" section showcases former homeless people in professional settings – lawyers, entrepreneurs, people who've achieved self-actualisation. These images use bright, aspirational colours and indirect modes of address that suggest looking towards a hopeful future.
Representation Matters: By showing diversity in age, gender, and ethnicity, The Big Issue proves that homelessness can affect anyone and that recovery is possible.
Industry Strategy and Business Model
As an independent magazine, The Big Issue operates outside major media conglomerates, partnering with Dennis Publishing for printing while maintaining editorial control. This independence allows them to pursue their social mission without shareholder pressure.
The magazine targets ABC1 demographics , which attracts ethical advertisers and increases revenue. Their classified ads exclusively feature social enterprises and ethical brands, maintaining ideological consistency.
Digital transformation hasn't killed The Big Issue like it has other magazines. They've partnered with Zinio for global digital distribution while maintaining the crucial vendor relationship – you can still buy online from individual vendors, preserving the human connection.
Business Insight: Peak circulation was 300,000 weekly, now around 82,000, but strong branding and unique social purpose help them survive the digital revolution better than traditional magazines.
Digital Evolution and Lasting Impact
The Big Issue website maintains the same sophisticated, black-on-white design as quality newspapers, targeting their educated demographic. Celebrity endorsements remain crucial online, creating positive brand associations and demonstrating social responsibility.
The organisation has evolved into The Big Issue Group, including investment arms and foundations that support other social enterprises. This diversification helps them "thrive, learn, earn" across multiple platforms while staying true to their original mission.
Their left-wing political stance creates what some might call an echo chamber, but it also provides a crucial platform for underrepresented voices. Unlike mainstream media, they consistently challenge conservative policies and champion progressive causes.
Future Focus: While weekly magazines generally decline, The Big Issue's unique social purpose and premium positioning help it buck industry trends – proving that meaningful content still sells.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding the Major Topics
E
Ella
@ella_usek
Ever wondered how a simple magazine could tackle one of society's biggest problems? The Big Issueisn't your typical glossy mag – it's a brilliant social enterprise that's been giving homeless people a genuine opportunity to earn money and rebuild... Show more
The Big Issue Origins and Mission
The Big Issue started in 1991, founded by Gordon and Anita Roddick (who also created The Body Shop). Unlike traditional businesses focused on profit, this social enterprise has one clear goal: ending homelessness through opportunity, not charity.
Their motto "A hand up not a hand out" perfectly captures their approach. Instead of simply giving money to homeless people, they create micro-businesses. Vendors buy magazines for £1.75 and sell them for £4, keeping the profit – it's about dignity and entrepreneurship, not begging.
The context is stark: over 4,000 people are homeless in the UK, and without an address, they can't access basic services like healthcare, jobs, or even get ID. The Big Issue breaks this cycle by providing legitimate income that can lead to stable housing.
Key Stats: Over 2,000 vendors across the UK (90% men, 50% have families), earning an average of £100 weekly, with Christmas sales hitting 250,000 copies.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Real Stories and Celebrity Support
The reality of homelessness is more complex than stereotypes suggest. As documentary maker Stacy Dooley revealed, 100,000 young people risk homelessness annually, often due to family breakdown or discrimination. Some vendors even have jobs – proving that you can be "as little as 3 pay cheques away from homelessness."
Prince William famously sold the magazine, providing massive celebrity endorsement through the two-step flow theory. This royal backing legitimised the brand and its mission to mainstream audiences.
The magazine's front cover design is deliberately sophisticated – no flashy colours or sensationalist headlines. The desaturated masthead works like Vogue's iconic branding, but serves a completely different purpose: celebrating the mission, not profit.
Smart Strategy: Celebrity endorsements aren't just about sales – they help combat negative stereotypes and show that supporting homeless people is socially acceptable.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Breaking Stereotypes Through Representation
The Big Issue excels at creating counter-stereotypes that challenge how we view homeless people. Their content pages immediately humanise vendors with high-key lighting and direct eye contact, making them approachable rather than threatening.
Features like Grayson Perry's "Letter to my younger self" are particularly powerful. Perry, an artist and transvestite, represents multiple marginalised groups, showing that homeless people can be talented, successful, and diverse. This links to Judith Butler's ideas about gender performance and challenging societal expectations.
The "Moving On" section showcases former homeless people in professional settings – lawyers, entrepreneurs, people who've achieved self-actualisation. These images use bright, aspirational colours and indirect modes of address that suggest looking towards a hopeful future.
Representation Matters: By showing diversity in age, gender, and ethnicity, The Big Issue proves that homelessness can affect anyone and that recovery is possible.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Industry Strategy and Business Model
As an independent magazine, The Big Issue operates outside major media conglomerates, partnering with Dennis Publishing for printing while maintaining editorial control. This independence allows them to pursue their social mission without shareholder pressure.
The magazine targets ABC1 demographics , which attracts ethical advertisers and increases revenue. Their classified ads exclusively feature social enterprises and ethical brands, maintaining ideological consistency.
Digital transformation hasn't killed The Big Issue like it has other magazines. They've partnered with Zinio for global digital distribution while maintaining the crucial vendor relationship – you can still buy online from individual vendors, preserving the human connection.
Business Insight: Peak circulation was 300,000 weekly, now around 82,000, but strong branding and unique social purpose help them survive the digital revolution better than traditional magazines.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Digital Evolution and Lasting Impact
The Big Issue website maintains the same sophisticated, black-on-white design as quality newspapers, targeting their educated demographic. Celebrity endorsements remain crucial online, creating positive brand associations and demonstrating social responsibility.
The organisation has evolved into The Big Issue Group, including investment arms and foundations that support other social enterprises. This diversification helps them "thrive, learn, earn" across multiple platforms while staying true to their original mission.
Their left-wing political stance creates what some might call an echo chamber, but it also provides a crucial platform for underrepresented voices. Unlike mainstream media, they consistently challenge conservative policies and champion progressive causes.
Future Focus: While weekly magazines generally decline, The Big Issue's unique social purpose and premium positioning help it buck industry trends – proving that meaningful content still sells.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user