2. OWNERSHIP
• The Big Issue Group which owns the magazine. The Group now manages
the following three ventures alongside the magazine
• The Big Issue Foundation founded in 1995 is a registered charity that is
independently funded which works for the welfare of the vendors of the
Big Issue.
• The Big Issue Invest is a social merchants bank that finances sustainable
social enterprises and charities. Loans and investments can range from
£20000 to £3million
• The Big Issue Shop sells products made by vendors of the Big Issue and
its profits go towards charity work overseas.
3. DISTRIBUTION
• The Big Issue does not use traditional distribution models of
subscription or distribution through stores.
• Each vendor of the Big Issue is their own entrepreneur who buys the
magazine from the Group for £1.25 and sells them for £2.50, gaining a
profit of £1.25 per magazine.
• There are 63 distribution centres nationwide from where vendors can
pick up the magazine.
• Each vendor receives training and support from the group.
• The magazine sells 83000 copies across the country each week.
4. CIRCULATION/ADVERTISING
• The Big Issue is not facing a drop in circulation unlike other magazines.
• Sales increased by 5% in 2016 which was the second year of growth for
the magazine
• Aside from selling 83000 copies each week, it is also read by ~406000
people per week.
• The magazine targets advertisers with the promise of associating the
brand with a trusted heritage brand with a desirable audience.
• The magazine's readers are 72% ABC1 of which 43% are ABC. Three in
four of the readers also purchase three other magazines regularly, and
as such may be more socially conscious and the adverts thus appeal to
this audience.
