Building the future of social impact.
In this episode, host Charlotte Otter talks with Zoë Colosimo, a founding member and Chief Operating Officer at Neighbourly, the UK platform connecting big brands with local communities. Neighbourly helps companies turn brand purpose into real-world impact through volunteering, grants, and redistribution of surplus food and products – delivering more than £1.7 billion in social value and over 270 million meals across the UK and Ireland.
Zoë shares how corporate social responsibility has moved from the edge of business to its heart, driven by ESG, reputation, and rising expectations from employees and customers. She explains how Neighbourly’s data shines a light on what every neighbourhood needs, and how partnerships with companies like Microsoft are tackling digital poverty through AI skills training for community organisations and the people they support.
Breaking news: Since this episode was recorded, Zoë, the Neighbourly team and other advocates (convened by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)), celebrated the announcement in the 2026 Budget that the British government will introduce VAT relief on qualifying business donations of goods to charity. As Zoë says, this is a game changer for business, the charity sector, and channeling excess products to those in need instead of letting them go to waste.
Charlotte and Zoë also explore:
• Why trust, social justice, and equitable communities sit at the centre of Zoë’s leadership
• How AI can both widen and close inequality gaps – and why diverse groups must help shape it
• Practical ways leaders can stay resilient, positive, and principled in an AI-led world
• Why local causes boost the reputation of the businesses that back them
This is an inspiring conversation for leaders, communicators, impact investors, and anyone who believes business should be a force for good.
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