Sign up to our free newsletter for the top North Wales stories sent straight to your e-mail Sign up now! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A community group that saved a swimming pool from closure has been named the top social enterprise in Wales.

Splash Community Trust was recognised with the coveted title of Social Enterprise of the Year thanks to its work and commitment to Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

The popular community centre, which was sentenced to closure following a council decision in 2013, was saved following a public protest and the formation of the Splash Community Trust.

Stella Matthews, Splash Community Trust, said: "When Wrexham County Borough Council voted to close this Centre in 2013 there was a public outcry, following the protest a small group formed the Splash Community Trust and re-opened the Leisure Centre in December 2014.

“The staff, volunteers and trustees worked together to redevelop the Centre into a thriving community hub and over the last 18 months we have seen our position strengthen.

“We employ 44 people and make a considerable contribution to the local economy.”

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates : "What has been achieved in such a short space of time is incredible – from facing the bulldozers to the best social enterprise in Wales in four years.

(Image: Robert Parry Jones)

"I’m so proud to support the centre and its amazing volunteers and staff. It’s fantastic to see Plas Madoc going from strength to strength.”

The awards evening, delivered by Social Business Wales, brought together over 220 of Wales’s leading figures from the social business sector, to celebrate the positive impact that social enterprises, co-operatives, and employee-owned businesses are having across Wales.

Empower – Be The Change, also in Wrexham, was presented with the accolade for Employment, Education and Training.

The company partners with local and national organisations to help people achieve their potential through guided training which helps to develop confidence, motivation independence and self-management.

Set up by director Jo Clay in 2016, it also facilitates international placements for those looking to share their skills abroad, helping individuals celebrate global culture with educational trips to India.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Derek Walker, Wales Co-operative Centre CEO, said he was “delighted with the calibre of the entrants this year”.

He said: “A lot of the categories were very competitive and judges had a challenge choosing the winners. The social impact made by these businesses is outstanding. We wish the winners the best of luck going forwards to the UK awards and hope their success will inspire future social entrepreneurs.”

The winners will now go forward to compete with their counterparts from Scotland, England and Northern Ireland at a UK Awards ceremony being held in central London in November.

The Social Business Wales Awards are run as part of Social Business Wales, a project funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Welsh Government as part of the Business Wales service.

It is delivered by the Wales Co-operative Centre.

For more information on the Social Business Wales Awards and the Wales Co-operative Centre, and all the winners, please visit https://wales.coop/