Josh Littlejohn

Co-Founder of Social Bite & Brewgooder, Organiser of The World’s Biggest Sleep Out & Sunday Times Bestselling Author of ‘Paying It Forward’

Josh Littlejohn’s Biography:

Josh Littlejohn is a British social entrepreneur, bestselling author and humanitarian best known as the co-founder of Social Bite, one of the UK’s most impactful social enterprises tackling homelessness. Through innovative business models and high-profile campaigns, Josh has helped transform the way organisations and individuals address social issues. His work has gained international recognition, with coverage across major media outlets including The New York Times, The Guardian and the BBC, and has positioned him as a leading voice in social entrepreneurship and purpose-driven business.

Josh studied Politics and Economics at the University of Edinburgh before launching his career in social enterprise. In 2012, alongside Alice Thompson, he co-founded Social Bite, a pioneering organisation that combines business with social impact by supporting people experiencing homelessness. The initiative quickly gained national attention for its unique approach, including employing homeless individuals and reinvesting profits into support programmes.

Building on this success, Josh expanded his impact through further ventures and campaigns. In 2016, he co-founded Brewgooder, a social enterprise beer company that donates its profits to clean water projects around the world. He also launched the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh, transforming reclaimed land into a supportive housing community for people experiencing homelessness. In 2019, he brought global attention to homelessness through The World’s Big Sleep Out, an international campaign involving high-profile figures and raising millions for homelessness charities.

Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Josh has established himself as a thought leader and author. His book ‘Paying It Forward’ became a Sunday Times bestseller, sharing insights on social entrepreneurship and creating meaningful change. His contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including an MBE, the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award and inclusion in Debrett’s list of the UK’s most influential people. Through his work, Josh continues to inspire individuals and organisations to use business as a force for good.

Why Hire Josh Littlejohn?

Josh is hired as a speaker for his powerful insight into social entrepreneurship and purpose-driven leadership. As the co-founder of Social Bite and Brewgooder, he offers audiences real-world examples of how business can be used to tackle global challenges and create lasting social impact.

His talks explore topics such as social innovation, leadership, sustainability and ethical business, alongside practical lessons on building purpose-led organisations. Drawing on his experience launching global campaigns such as The World’s Big Sleep Out, Josh delivers inspiring and actionable talks that encourage audiences to think differently about success, impact and responsibility.

Josh Littlejohn’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Josh Littlejohn’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Continued leading Social Bite’s national campaigns supporting homelessness and expanding its social impact initiatives.
  • 2023 – Published Paying It Forward which became a Sunday Times bestseller sharing insights on social entrepreneurship.
  • 2020 – Won the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award recognising his contribution to tackling homelessness.
  • 2019 – Launched The World’s Big Sleep Out with global figures to raise awareness and funds for homelessness.
  • 2019 – Received Special Recognition at the Pride of Britain Awards for his social impact work.
  • 2017 – Appointed MBE in the New Year Honours for services to social business and charity.
  • 2017 – Included in Debrett’s 500 Most Influential People in the UK recognising his national impact.
  • 2016 – Co-founded Brewgooder a social enterprise beer company supporting global clean water projects.
  • 2015 – Named Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year recognising his innovation in business.
  • 2012 – Co-founded Social Bite supporting people experiencing homelessness through social enterprise.
  • 2011 – Founded and organised the Scottish Business Awards celebrating business excellence.