The Awards, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland, recognise excellence and outstanding achievements by social enterprises – businesses that reinvest their profits for social and environmental good - that demonstrate they’re improving and building a better economy and fairer society.

The shortlist includes social enterprises that are early-stage potential; those with a clearly evidenced environmental impact; health and social care organisations; businesses that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity; and innovators using technology to achieve social impact. This year two categories recognise individuals working in a social enterprise that go above and beyond to make a difference - an employee and a volunteer.

With a total of 9 categories open to all Social Enterprises that operate in Scotland or individuals that work/volunteer in Scotland, the Awards present a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector. They highlight the agility, ability, and active role that social enterprises play in building places, supporting communities, and positively impacting our environment and wellbeing.

This year, three new categories have been introduced providing further opportunities for social enterprises and those who work with them to be recognised for their impact. These are: ‘Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Award’; ‘Tech for Good Award’; ‘Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion Award’.

These are in addition to the existing six award categories, which are ‘Social Enterprise of the Year Scotland Award’, ‘One to Watch Award’, ‘Buy Social - Market Builder Award’, ‘Health and Social Care Award’, ‘Environmental Social Enterprise Award’ and ‘Social Enterprise Employee Champion Award’.

Kim Wallace, director of membership and policy at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “There is always much to celebrate about the impact of social enterprise in Scotland at both a local and national level. We were delighted by the quality, diversity, and geographic spread of applications this year with application numbers almost back to pre-pandemic levels. This is encouraging as this reflects the resilience, determination, and growth of the social enterprise movement.

“Our Awards are designed to raise the profile of social enterprises and show that there is another way of doing business. We know that without such fabulous organisations on the ground, this would of course not be possible. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our 2023 applicants and the hard work and dedication of all of Scotland’s inspiring social enterprises and social entrepreneurs.”

The winners will be announced at an evening awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26th October hosted by Beatrice Wishart, Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP.

The 2023 Social Enterprise Awards Scotland are proudly supported by our sponsors: Social Enterprise of the Year Award – Gold Sponsor: Keegan & Pennykid; One to Watch Award – Bold Studio; Environmental Award – Circular Communities Scotland; Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice Award – Social Investment Scotland; Health and Social Care Award – The ALLIANCE: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland; Tech For Good Award – Breeze Digital (a Communities Enterprise Group social enterprise); ‘Buy Social’ Market Builder Award – Social Enterprise Academy; Volunteer Champion Award – Volunteer Scotland.

The finalists are:

Social Enterprise of the Year Award Category sponsored by Keegan & Pennykid

This award is for a social enterprise that has demonstrated a clear vision, excellence in impact, customer service, and management, plus that little something extra in terms of creativity and innovation.

• Shapinsay Development Trust
• Point and Sandwick Trust
• Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company
• Kibble

One to Watch Award Category sponsored by Bold Studio

A social enterprise that shows early potential and can clearly articulate their future vision, how they are going to achieve it, and how they will drive growth in their business.

• Carrick Rugby Football Club (SCIO)
• Hike and Bike Hub Galashiels
• Pride Outside CIC
• Embers Aquatics CIC
• Àban

Environmental Award Category sponsored by Circular Communities Scotland

For a social enterprise in the green and environmental sectors that can show a clear, evidenced environmental impact.

• Home Basics (Tweeddale) Co Ltd
• Stitch the Gap
• Move On Wood Recycling
• Merry-go-round

Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Justice sponsored by Social Investment Scotland

Social justice is fundamental to the social enterprise movement. This category is open to all social enterprises that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity.

• All Cleaned Up
• BE United
• Highland BlindCraft
• Pride Outside CIC
• Resilience Learning Partnership

Health and Social Care sponsored by The ALLIANCE: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland

For a social enterprise in the health and social care sector with excellent vision and strategic direction, clear leadership, evidenced social, environmental, and community impact.

• Eat, Sleep, Ride CIC
• Solstice Nurseries
• Resilience Learning Partnership
• Care Opinion (Scotland) CIC
• Macaulay College CIC

Tech for Good sponsored by Breeze Digital (a Communities Enterprise Group social enterprise)

This award recognises a social enterprise that is using technology to achieve its social impact. This could be through developing a new product or service or enhancing their service delivery.

• Red Chair Highland Ltd
• Showcase the Street
• Care Opinion (Scotland) CIC
• Social Print and Copy CIC
• JRS Knowhow

‘Buy Social’ – Market Builder sponsored by the Social Enterprise Academy

For a social enterprise, public sector body or private sector organisation that has demonstrably made efforts within its own organisation and remit to create more opportunities to buy from social enterprises.

• The Good Stuff Network Edinburgh (operated by Edinburgh Social Enterprise)
• Circular Communities Scotland Reuse Consortium
• South Lanarkshire Council

Employee Champion

This award recognises an individual working in a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference.

• Joyce Murray, CEO and Founder, Positive Changes Scotland CIC
• Lisa Gemmell, Community and Relationship Mentor, Be-inn Unity CIC
• Rachel MacPhail, Employability Coordinator, Inspiralba
• Rajkiran Atwal, General Manager, Merry-go-round

Volunteer Champion sponsored by Volunteer Scotland

This award recognises an individual volunteering with a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference.

• Cathy Costello, Volunteer & Trustee, Ayr Gaiety Partnership
• Janie Conlon, Tartan Volunteer, Grassmarket Community Project
• Sandra Hill, Volunteer Mentor, Positive Changes Scotland CIC
• Susan Muir, Volunteer Instructor and Charity Trustee, Kanzen Karate