Last Friday on 14th October 2022, over 600 individuals from the private, public and social sector came together for the first time since 2019 at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, to honour and celebrate the achievements of the social economy sector in Northern Ireland. On the 10th Anniversary of the awards, a record-breaking number of attendees was reached since the event’s formation.

Like any other sector, times are challenging, and organisations are under immense pressure to control costs and generate income to simply, survive. This is no different for social enterprise organisations however, many of the services or products they provide either directly or indirectly support some of the most vulnerable within the community and are therefore vital. Despite this, the sector continues to grow and thrive which was apparent from the of organisations, teams and leaders shortlisted and awarded at the event.

The evening brought a strong sense of hope and togetherness as well as a reminder of how important the sector is to Northern Ireland and beyond. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons thanked the sector for their contribution:

“I am pleased to be associated with Social Enterprise NI’s Awards which recognises both the sector’s achievements and resilience. I welcome and value the impact social enterprises have on the recovery and growth of the Northern Ireland economy, now and in the future”

Speaking about the success of the event, Colin Jess, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise NI said:

“The Social Enterprise NI Awards is a time to take a moment to recognise, commend, and promote the individuals and businesses creating positive change and social impact within Northern Ireland. I believe we achieved just that at our celebratory event last week. We now continue our work to support and represent social enterprises to ensure their voice is heard at all levels of business and with decision makers all year round.”

List of awarded organisations:

Best New Start Up

• Winner: Harry’s Place CIC

Health and Wellbeing Award

• Winner: CAN (Compass Advocacy Network)

• Highly Commended: Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL)

Rural Social Enterprise Award

• Winner: Made in Mourne

• Highly Commended: Powered by Sport

Credit Union Award – Under 40m Turnover

• Winner: Waterside Credit Union

Credit Union Award – Over 40m Turnover

• Winner: Ballymena Causeway Credit Union

Green/Circular Economy Award

• Winner: Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (USEL)

• Highly Commended: Responsible Plastic Management (RPM)

Best Use of Digital Marketing

• Winner: Inspire

• Highly Commended: The Designerie

Consumer Facing Award

• Winner: Naturally North Coast & Glens Market

Young Person of the Year

• Winner: Hannah Agnew – An Tobar CIC

• Highly Commended: Donovan Evit – Rcity Youth

Emerging Leader of the Year

• Winner: Jacqui Pope – GLL/Better

• Highly Commended: Paula Murphy-Gibson – You Glow Girl

Leader of the Year

• Winner: Jayne Taggart – Enterprise Causeway

• Highly Commended: Rym Akhonzada – Yalla CIC

Council of the Year

• Winner: Belfast City Council

Social Partnership Award

• Winner: idverde

• Highly Commended: Graham

Outstanding Voluntary Team

• Winner: Recharge CIC

• Highly Commended: Yalla CIC

Outstanding Staff Team

• Winner: Outwork Team (with The Turnaround Project)

• Highly Commended: Sensations Learning Support CIC

• Highly Commended: The Hummingbird Project CIC

Outstanding Combined Volunteer and Staff Team

• Winner: Harrys Place CIC

• Highly Commended: Home Start’s Pre-loved Shop Newcastle

Social Enterprise of the Year – Small

• Winner: Enterprise Causeway

• Highly Commended: Enterprise North West

Social Enterprise of the Year – Large

• Winner: Habitat for Humanity Ireland

• Highly Commended: Radius Housing

If you would like more information about Social Enterprise NI, contact Amanda Johnston at amanda@socialenterpriseni.org.

ENDS