Formula E and giffgaff join forces to support Big Issue employment scheme
Formula E and giffgaff announce London finale partnership
Formula E has announced a partnership with mobile and broadband provider giffgaff ahead of the final rounds of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship 2025/26 Season at Excel London on 15 and 16 August.
The collaboration brings together two B Corp-certified brands that share a focus on community, purpose and challenging established norms. Its central commitment is a €25,000 donation from Formula E’s Better Futures Fund to Big Issue, giffgaff’s long-term partner.
The announcement comes as the championship prepares for a decisive London finale. Pascal Wehrlein remains in contention for the Formula E title, adding competitive significance to a race weekend that will also place social impact at the centre of the event.
Technology and employment support
giffgaff has worked with Big Issue since 2023 on digital and financial inclusion. As part of that relationship, the provider supplies vendors with refurbished phones, helping them increase sales by an average of 30%, while also supporting people into long-term work through tools and training.
The Better Futures Fund contribution will support young people facing barriers to employment through Big Issue Recruit. The employability service will provide tools, skills and confidence to help participants move closer to work and opportunity.
Each person supported through the initiative will receive a refurbished smartphone, improving access to connectivity opportunities. Participants will also receive exclusive career insights and paid work experience across the London race days with Formula E, Big Issue and giffgaff.
Work experience inside the Fan Village
During race week, beneficiaries will attend a welcome session at the track before joining Formula E’s community tour for a behind-the-scenes view of the championship. At the 2026 Hankook London E-Prix, giffgaff will operate a stand in the Fan Village, where Big Issue Recruit participants will work alongside giffgaff employees.
The stand will also highlight the circular economy of phones. giffgaff said 66% of the phones it sold over the last year were refurbished, while its activities will also promote eSIM adoption and trade-in deals through giffgaffrecycle.com.
“This partnership is a natural fit for us,” said giffgaff CEO Kate Dohaney, citing the brands’ shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and community. Formula E’s Julia Pallé described the agreement as a way to deliver “meaningful, real-world change”, while Big Issue Managing Director Russell Blackman said access to technology and work experience can help candidates expand their opportunities.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.