Building the relationships that power change

The impact economy is growing in confidence 

Beacon Forum 2026 brought together 650 delegates from across the impact economy to connect, share ideas and spark action.

At Beacon Forum 2026, we shared our research that the Impact Economy represents a whopping 15% of UK GDP. We have confidence that can grow.  

There are good signs as I referenced in my last newsletter, giving among the wealthiest is rising, and CAF research suggests that doubling philanthropy within this group could release an additional £11.3 billion for organisations creating impact. There are equally good news stories coming out of impact investing, and purpose driven business.  

But we live in a competitive world and there are other destinations for capital, other investments and purchases. That is why it is so important we come together at Beacon and other events. Where we can share ideas, be inspired, start collaborations.  

Our system remains fragmented

Delegates from across the impact economy debated, challenged and tackled difficult questions together at Beacon Forum 2026.

Philanthropists, charities, investors, businesses and policymakers often approach the same challenges through different networks, language and incentives. The Impact Economy Collective has similarly argued that these parts of the system have operated separately for too long, making it harder to turn shared intent into delivery. 

Beacon is a place where we can all gather.

This matters because capital alone is not enough. New participants bring fresh questions, networks and ways of thinking, that is why we welcome them. Philanthropy offers catalytic capital that can move quickly and take risks, investors can create secure futures, businesses and institutions can deliver real scale, and charities contribute knowledge, infrastructure, community insight and lived experience as well as service delivery.  

All of these voices are needed to shape the impact economy.   

From conversation to collective action

Delegates chose from more than 40 roundtables, connecting with leading voices and shaping what came next at Beacon Forum 2026.

Beacon is deliberately a ‘talking shop’. I use that phrase positively. Community creates a place for discovery: somewhere people can share ideas, disagree, learn from peers and experts, find useful tools and see where their work connects. That is why more than half the day is handed over to roundtables and workshops covering over 70 topics. The very successful speed dating will also return this year.  

What I loved most about Beacon Forum 2026 is the range of people and conversations it brings together. Last year, Dame Julia Cleverdon challenged us to think harder about who is missing from the room. Darren Jones explored government’s role in the impact economy, while Ben Goldsmith, Becky Holmes and Alex Chapman brought different perspectives on philanthropy and investment. Those exchanges—with people who do not always share the same language, networks or starting point—are what make Beacon valuable. 

Our hope is that people leave Beacon Forum 2027 with stronger relationships, fresh ideas and practical opportunities to act. 

Find out more and book tickets to join us at Beacon Philanthropy and Impact Forum 2027