The social enterprise sector in NI is growing and increasing in its support of the NI economy. If you ever needed evidence of this, read on!
The Social Enterprise NI Awards now attract almost 600 guests each year. At this year’s event 18 category winners were announced of which 4 winners were shortlisted by SEUK to enter their Awards, and represented NI against the best of England, Scotland, and Wales.
With tough competition from all parts of the UK, the NI Social Enterprises proved their worth with Paula Jennings from Stepping Stones recognised as Highly Commended Leader of the Year and The Workspace Group taking home the coveted Overall Social Enterprise of the Year, the first time a Social Enterprise from Northern Ireland has taken the crown in 11 years!
Congratulations also to Arts Care and Ravine (The Advantage Foundation) who entered the Best New Start Up and Social Impact categories respectively and whilst not being successful, were recognised for their work by many on the evening.
The Workspace Group were recognised as a social enterprise with a clear vision, outstanding impact, and a commitment to advancing the social enterprise movement beyond its immediate sector. The Group’s commercial ventures produce surpluses, which are reinvested into the Draperstown community and surrounding areas, providing resources that would otherwise be unavailable. Employing 100 staff across the UK and Ireland, Workspace generates an annual turnover of approximately £7.6 million and boasts net assets of around £9.5 million.
Social Enterprise NI CEO, Colin Jess, commented,
“We are absolutely delighted to see this accolade being awarded to The Workspace Group. We have known locally that they are a real example of how a social business can be innovative and focus on how its work can support those in their local area. It is great to see their work being recognised at a national level, indicating the strength of the social economy in NI. Well done The Workspace Group”