West Midland social enterprises recognised at awards ceremony
TWELVE of the West Midlands’ leading social enterprises and their supporters have been recognised for their contribution to the region’s economy.
The firms were all winners at the Social Enterprise West Midlands 2014 awards, the sector’s biggest regional performance competition. Held at the University of Birmingham, the vent attracted 150 guests.
Included among the winners were Mindful Gifts (a company that provides appropriate gifts and activities for dementia sufferers), Blu Rocket Design (a graphic design agency with a passion for pro-bono support) and John Taylor Hospice.
The latter, which has provided palliative and end of life care in Birmingham for over 100 years, claimed the SE Prima Award after its Benjamin’s Brothers ‘Crowdfunding’ campaign raised £3,000 to buy a crucial aid in helping African and Caribbean men address prostate cancer.
Melanie Mills, Chief Executive of SEWM, said: “Our sector is experiencing significant growth and is increasingly being viewed as an important economic driver…it is only right that we recognise the organisations, enterprises and individuals that are making it happen.”
Sponsored by Mears Group, the evening’s other winners included:
• Class Careers (SE Passion) – Connecting young people with enhanced education and early stage career opportunities
• Cllr Faye Abbott (SE Inspire) – Coventry City Council’s Portfolio Holder has been driving its journey to become a social enterprise city
• Creative Alliance (SE Profit) – A leading provider of learning opportunities for young people getting into the creative sector
• Elizabeth Barker (SE Professional) – Devised specialist support package for RBS Flying Project
• Lingo Links (SE People) – Providing translation services to marginalised communities to reduce isolation
• REPC (SE Planet) – Helping local and national customers safely dispose of and recycle unwanted IT equipment and furniture
SEWM also recognised two individuals – Sandwell Community Caring Trust’s Geoff Walker and Stephen Holmes of HMP Stoke Heath – for their outstanding contributions to social enterprise.
The final award on the evening went to the Signing Tree Conference Centre for its Social Saturday promotional video that has become a viral sensation.
Social Enterprise West Midlands is the leading business network and consultancy for social enterprise in the region.
The membership-led organisation offers access to expert consultancy, advice and guidance, as well as a series of event and workshops designed to educate, inform and promote a sector that is worth more than £35m locally.
The SE Awards were backed by a host of sponsors, including Adullam Homes, Amey, Anthony Collins Solicitors, Aspire Group, DiSE, Enterprise Foundation, Lister Trade Frames, PwC, Sustainability West Midlands and UnLtd.
Pictured at the awards event are, clockwise from front: Graham Beckwith (Signing Tree), Elizabeth Barker (iSE), Sabir Zazai (Lingo Links), Vicki Phipps (Mindful Gifts), Cllr Faye Abbott (Coventry City Council), Bevil Williams (REPC), Noel Dunne (Creative Alliance), Joanne Armstrong (Sandwell Community Care Trust), Steve Abbott (Blu Rocket Design) and Kate Phipps (John Taylor Hospice).
