Notes on November!🧣

Before next month's festivities take over (not that they haven't already...), we wanted to look back at a few of the top stories from November - because from Social Enterprise Day to a whole host of financial awareness campaigns and a new face on the social media block, there've been a lot of goings-on this month. And that's without Zync's own updates - head to our LinkedIn feed to find out what we've been up to!

Our top stories...

Social Enterprise & Non-Profit

A day for better businesses

On the third Thursday of each November, Social Enterprise Day highlights the power of the businesses that put people and planet first. This year was no different, with research revealing that the 131,000 social enterprises across the UK are driving positive change by reinvesting profits into community building, job creation, environmental action, and local economies. We're not quite there yet, but every year seems to bring promising progress towards a world of better business.

Scottish support for social enterprise

The Scottish government recently outlined its vision for a transformative economic shift, with nonprofits playing a pivotal role in a community wealth-building model. Social enterprises are set to inspire mainstream businesses and drive change across Scotland, and the government has committed to supporting this movement with new legislation, ending with an ambitious goal to triple the number of social enterprises by 2034.

Cub Scouts meet big banks

In an unlikely collaboration, The Scout Association and HSBC UK have begun a scheme to equip young people with essential money skills. Following the success of the Money Skills Activity Badge, 200 HSBC UK employees volunteer at Beaver and Cub Scout groups, where they're building financial literacy through engaging workshops. The two companies plan to continue spreading these programmes throughout England.

Credit Unions

Facing our finances

Talk Money Week ran from the 4th to the 8th this month, offering a chance to break stigmas surrounding personal finance discussions. With rising costs, it’s more important than ever to make everyday finances part of everyday conversations - whether that's pocket money or a pension. This year’s theme, Do One Thing, invited us all to take small, manageable actions to improve our financial health - like teaching children about money or checking your credit score.

The search for a CEO

ABCUL said a bittersweet goodbye to CEO of six years Robert Kelly when he announced plans to step down. Robert has "been instrumental in shaping vision and strategy", heading a range of formative projects from Vision 2025 to the more recent CDCU Project, as well as contributing to the organisation being granted Royal Consent back in 2023. ABCUL "wish him all the best in his future endeavours", and is now actively seeking a new CEO. These are tough boots to fill... but it's a fantastic opportunity for the right person.

A great gambling campaign

Following Talk Money Week, Safer Gambling Week shone a spotlight on responsible gambling practices and the importance of player protection. The annual event raises awareness across the country, helping to ensure gambling remains nothing more than an enjoyable hobby. It's a hobby that has a tendency to become more sinister, so this served as a vital reminder of how businesses and individuals can use social media to safeguard public wellbeing.

Digital Marketing

Are butterflies the new birds?

New social media platform Bluesky has seen rapid growth, emerging as a strong alternative to X (formerly Twitter) thanks to a decentralised design that gives individuals more control over their data. Founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky is reportedly attracting millions of new users daily - even global superstars like Lizzo and Ben Stiller. With a focus on privacy, customisation, and autonomy, could this butterfly replace the bird?

Jaguar's jarring rebrand

Jaguar faced a storm of criticism after unveiling its rebranding campaign ahead of its all-electric launch in 2026. The promotional video features models but no cars, causing it to be dubbed as "woke" and "confusing" by critics. Despite the online uproar, Managing Director Rawdon Glover defended the campaign, insisting it modernises the brand and allows it to stand out in an overcrowded market.

Cracking out the Christmas campaigns...

November is over, which means one thing - Christmas. And for marketers, Christmas means Christmas campaigns. The biggest household names have released TV ads to pull at the nation's heartstrings; the much-awaited John Lewis piece titled The Gifting Hour was full of the usual nostalgia, and even Lidl enlisted the help of Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper to create a moving story of a young girl helping a young boy in need.

The penultimate month of the year, but things don't seem to have quietened down just yet. We hope everybody's had a fantastic start to December, and to all who celebrate Christmas - remember you're never too old for an Advent calendar!

- The team @ Zync