Liverpool-based social enterprise The Women’s Organisation has won a major national award.
It was named the Education, Training & Jobs Social Enterprise of the Year at the UK Social Enterprise Awards in London on Thursday, December 8.
These awards recognise excellence and innovation in UK social enterprises in a range of categories from environmental to women’s champion. They are hosted by the social enterprise membership body Social Enterprise UK.
The Women’s Organisation, which develops and delivers training and support programmes that are female-focused, faced stiff competition from entries from across the UK to take home the award. Social enterprises are businesses that trade for social or environmental purposes. There are an estimated 100,000 social enterprises in the UK contributing around £60bn annually to the UK economy. They are set up to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society and the environment.
Chief executive at The Women’s Organisation, Maggie O’Carroll, said: “The last year or two has unquestionably been a trialing time for the social enterprise sector. Last week’s event was a real reminder of the resilience and resolve of those businesses operating in the sector that are driven by purpose and impact.
“We were so pleased to be able to join our peers and colleagues in London on Thursday and celebrate our collective successes.
“We are so pleased to have brought this national award back to Liverpool. It is a testament to all of our service users who have developed their knowledge and skills, the support of our public sector partners, and the hard work and dedication of the extraordinary team at The Women’s Organisation – who have, like all our friends in the room, worked with such commitment in the face of adversity.”
Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, added: “The last year has been a difficult one for businesses across the UK, and it has been no different for social enterprises.
“These awards were a real evening of hope and inspiration and brought home the sheer ingenuity, adaptability, and determination of the social enterprise community, which has continued to deliver for the people and communities they work with and support.
“The winners include businesses that are breaking down barriers for groups marginalized in the workforce, organisations at the heart of local economies, and those finding innovative ways to tackle the climate crisis.
“This ever-growing movement of social enterprise truly represents business at its best. Congratulations to all of the winners and to The Women’s Organisation for their award.”
The Women’s Organisation was shortlisted in four categories at this year’s SEUK Awards, and the win marks the latest in a string of awards and accolades for Maggie and the team over the last 12 months.