Scotland’s ‘Big Society’ Recognised in Social Enterprise Awards

Press Release

The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition has announced the shortlist for the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2011,  sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers, to celebrate Scotland’s thriving social enterprise sector. John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth will attend to reveal this year’s winners.

The judging panel, chaired by Dr Jim McFarlane, Managing Director Operations (Company Growth, Innovation, Infrastrucure and Investment) of Scottish Enterprise, yesterday announced the Awards shortlist as:

John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth said: "The Scottish Government recognises the valuable contribution Scotland's social enterprises make to supporting economic recovery and the important role they play delivering key services to some of Scotland's most vulnerable and disadvantaged people, and we are committed to continuing to support their development.

"Today's shortlist further recognises the tremendous efforts of some of Scotland's most exceptional social enterprises and I warmly congratulate all those in the running to receive an award."

Dr Jim McFarlane, of Scottish Enterprise, commented: “It’s great to see such richness across the applications for the Social Enterprise Awards, and the growth in numbers.  The judges were particularly impressed with the quality of the entries and the way that social enterprises in Scotland are operating so sustainably in such difficult times.”

Marc Mazzucco, regional consulting leader, PwC in Scotland said: “The role of social enterprises in Scotland has never been more important or more relevant. We strongly believe in their potential to bring innovative solutions that not only help solve difficult issues but deliver benefits to the more vulnerable and disadvantaged within our communities. 

“Over the years we have developed strong links with social enterprises across the UK and in Scotland, working alongside them as commercial partners or supporting projects through our Force for Good programme. The award entrants have not only demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit but have added real benefits to the communities in which they are based and I am sure they will continue to do so for many years to come.”

Winners of the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland will receive up to £5,000, business support advice and will go on to compete with winners from Wales, England and Northern Ireland in the UK grand final, giving them the opportunity to promote themselves on a national UK platform.

Social enterprises are businesses run for social and environmental purposes – there are approximately 62,000 of them in the UK with a combined turnover of at least £27 billion, and they contribute £8.4 billion per year to the UK economy. In Scotland, social enterprises are estimated to contribute around £2 billion to the Scottish economy every year.

The Scottish Awards are sponsored by PwC with additional support provided by Firstport, The Cooperative Bank, the Social Enterprise Academy and Johnston Carmichael. 

More information on the awards can be found at: www.socialenterpriseawards.org.uk and www.ssec.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition is the national collective lobbying and campaigns voice for social enterprise in Scotland. It is a membership-led organisation representing the needs and interests of social enterprise to politicians, policy makers and opinion formers. http://www.ssec.org.uk.

Scotland invented the worlds’ first mutuals, building society, cooperative and savings bank.

The Social Enterprise Coalition is the UK’s national body for social enterprise.  As the voice for the sector, the Coalition provides a platform for showcasing the benefits of social enterprise while supporting and representing the work of its varied members, influencing national policy and promoting best practice.www.socialenterprise.org.uk.