Big congratulations to the Greater Manchester social enterprises and GMSEN members who have recently had their work recognised by being shortlisted for the Social Enterprise UK 2021 Awards!
Future Directions CIC, based in Oldham, is a leading, high quality social care provider for people with complex needs in North West England. They have been shortlisted in the UK Social Enterprise of the Year category, "for a social enterprise that has a clear vision, excellence in impact, and that has demonstrated and promoted social enterprise beyond the sector".
Black United Representation Network (BURN CIC) work to effect lasting change to the Black leadership population in Greater Manchester by creating greater representation at senior leadership levels. BURN CIC have been shortlisted for the Social Enterprise Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice category - "Over the last year, events like the Black Lives Movement brought renewed energy into the discourse around diversity, inclusion, equity and justice. This category is open to all social enterprises who are addressing these issues".
Social adVentures, based in Salford, is a wellbeing social enterprise specialising in public health and social care contracts that run alongside social businesses – such as garden centres, community cafes and, childcare nurseries. They have been shortlisted for the Social Enterprise Team of the Year category, which "acknowledges teams which, over the course of an extremely challenging year, have demonstrated the strength, passion and resilience which is so characteristic of the social enterprise sector".
Finally, Reason Digital, a Manchester-based digital agency specialising in social tech, have been shortlisted in the Tech for Good category, "for a social enterprise that uses technology to achieve social impact".
Congratulations to all! The awards ceremony is on December 8th, but just to get shortlisted in itself is a fantastic achievement and great to see that recognition at a national level.