North East market research agency Explain has published its latest Social Value Report, demonstrating how the business is creating positive economic, social and environmental impact through its people, partnerships and day-to-day operations.

Using the nationally recognised TOMS (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) Framework, the report provides an evidence-based assessment of the company's contribution to local employment, community investment and environmental responsibility.

The report shows that Explain supported 50 full-time equivalent roles, generating £2.28 million in economic value for the region. The business also spent £274,176.43 with local SMEs, creating a further £300,769.69 of impact, alongside £7,959.54 with local suppliers, generating £8,668.28 in social value. 

Alongside its economic contribution, Explain invested directly in local communities, contributing £6,937.59 to community projects and charities. Members of the team also completed 60 hours of volunteering, creating £1,048.80 in social value, while providing 13 hours of skills-based support to local students to help build confidence, experience and future career opportunities. 

The report also outlines Explain's commitment to reducing its environmental impact, with a focus on reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions, lowering car miles through greener transport choices and reducing plastic use across the business. 

As part of its ongoing commitment, Explain has established a Socially Conscious Working Group, bringing together colleagues from across the business to drive future activity and ensure social value remains embedded throughout the organisation.

Holly Shiel-Redfern, co-owner and director at Explain said, "Our focus moving forward is to turn measurement into action, ensuring Explain continues to create lasting, measurable impact across the economic, social and environmental pillars that underpin our socially conscious strategy.

“At Explain, we've always believed that a successful business should create value far beyond the services it delivers. This report gives us a meaningful way to measure the difference we're making - whether that's supporting local jobs, investing in our communities or becoming a more environmentally responsible business. Social value isn't a standalone initiative for us; it's part of how we work every day. Having this baseline means we can continue to challenge ourselves, build on what we've achieved and create an even greater positive impact in the years ahead."" 

The TOMS framework is widely used across the UK to measure and validate social value, enabling organisations to quantify the wider economic, social and environmental impact they create beyond financial performance. 

The full Social Value Report is available to download from the Explain website. 

ENDS

Media contact: 

Lauren Regan 

lauren@wearemole.com

07792886540 

Notes to Editors:

Explain Market Research is a full-service insight agency specialising in customer behaviour, lived experience research and co-creation. The company works across sectors including utilities, infrastructure, public services and digital, helping organisations make better decisions through robust, human-centred insight.