N Wales social enterprises up for top awards
THE social enterprises competing for the top spots at this year’s Social Business Wales Awards have been announced, with five firms from North Wales making up the final shortlist.
The awards night, being held in October at the famous Llangollen Pavilion, in Denbighshire, recognises excellence within the social business sector in Wales.
Galeri Caernarfon; Denbighshire Music Co-operative; Creating Enterprise CIC; Welsh Mountain Zoo and Book of You CIC, from North Wales, have all been shortlisted
Derek Walker, chief executive at the Wales Co-operative Centre, the national body for social businesses and co-operatives, said: “Every year, it seems to get more difficult to short-list for these awards, the quality of the applications are a testament to all the good work that these businesses are doing. We know the social business sector is growing, our recent mapping exercise showed that the sector now employs approximately 40,800 people and is worth an estimated £2.37bn to the Welsh economy.
“These businesses are delivering vital services and creating jobs and economic opportunities across Wales. Looking at the applications, there are some really inspirational businesses out there with real growth potential. We wish all our finalists the best of luck and look forward to seeing them at the awards.”
Jamie Toffrey, of Welsh Mountain Zoo and finalist in the Environmental category, said: “We are really excited to have been shortlisted for this award, and look forward to attending the awards event with some other fantastic social businesses”
Abigail Gilbert, of Creating Enterprise CIC and finalist in the Education, Training and Employment category, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. The team are excited about attending the awards evening and meeting other inspiring social enterprises.”
Tom Barham, of Book of You CIC and finalist in the Tech for Good category, said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for the Social Business Wales Awards. We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact of our digital life reminiscence work on the wellbeing of people with dementia – and we really hope that this helps us to extend our impact further in Wales through working in partnership with other inspiring social businesses”.
Steffan Thomas, of Galeri Caer- narfon, and finalist in the Social Enterprise of the Year and Consumer facing category, said: “We are delighted to be acknowledged and shortlisted for two awards at the 2017 Social Business Wales Awards.
“Galeri Caernarfon Cyf is now in its 26th year of existence as a social enterprise, and the progress and difference the company has made to the area is increasingly being acknowledged and recognised.
“That is something we are extremely proud of.”