Fortescue Leaders step into the shoes of Big Issue vendors

7 February 2019: Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) Chief Operating Officer Greg Lilleyman and Chief Financial Officer Ian Wells today joined business and government leaders across Australia to sell copies of The Big Issue and raise the profile of the magazine. 

The magazine’s annual CEO Selling campaign celebrates International Vendor Week where over 100 Australian business leaders and politicians volunteer to sell the magazine alongside Big Issue vendors.

Mr Lilleyman said, “CEO Selling provides a rewarding insight into the vendor experience and breaks down the barriers between business leaders and vendors. By taking part in this initiative, we are creating meaningful connections and showing the Big Issue team that industry leaders support and respect their work.

Mr Wells said he was proud to support The Big Issue as it empowers vendors by creating opportunities to earn an income, engage with the community and work towards long-term goals.

“It was a privilege to join such an inspiring team of Big Issue sellers this morning. I have a great sense of admiration for the resilience, initiative and positive attitude of the street vendors, such as Steven and Caroline, who are taking their current situation into their own hands.”

Fortescue has been a proud supporter of The Big Issue’s CEO Selling initiative for the last three years.

Background

The Big Issue magazine is a fortnightly, independent magazine that's sold on the streets by homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people. The magazine was launched in Australia in 1996 and to date 6,500 vendors have sold more than 11 million copies, earning over $26 million.

Vendors buy copies of the fortnightly magazine for $3.50 and sell them for $9, keeping the difference and earning a meaningful income.