The social businesses competing for the top spots at this year’s Social Business Wales Awards have been announced.

The awards night, being held on Tuesday 24th September at Venue Cymru in Llandudno recognises excellence within the social business sector in Wales. Entrants come from a range of social businesses but all demonstrate a dynamic, entrepreneurial and ambitious attitude that are driving the sector forward.

This year there are two headline categories – Wales Social Enterprise of the Year and Wales One to Watch, which looks for new and innovative social enterprises trading under two years with an impressive initial impact and strong vision for the future. Social enterprises also had the opportunity to enter five sector categories, with winners of each category being automatically entered (if they have not already done so) into the Social Enterprise of the Year.

Part of the Social Business Wales project, which is delivered by the Wales Co-operative Centre, the Awards are funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Welsh Government. The principal sponsor for this year’s Awards is Natwest, with additional sponsorship provided by Legal & General, Acuity Law, BIC Innovation, Cowshed Communication and Doopoll.

The Awards ceremony will be hosted by Welsh tenor, Wynne Evans, with evening entertainment provided by Musical Meatballs in Mind – a North Wales based music therapy group for adults whose lives have been affected by mental health issues.

Seven of the Welsh finalists have also been shortlisted for the Social Enterprise UK Awards and these include: Aura Leisure, Fern Partnership, Awel Aman Tawe, Down to Earth, Community Impact Initiative, Galeri Caernarfon and Innovation Trust.

Glenn Bowen, Enterprise Programme Director for Social Business Wales, said:

“We are really pleased with the calibre of the entrants this year. A lot of the categories are very competitive and the judges will have a real challenge choosing the winners. The social impact made by all of these finalists is outstanding. We wish all the businesses the best of luck at the Awards and hope whatever the outcome their success will inspire future social entrepreneurs.”

Full list of categories and shortlisted finalists for Social Business Wales Awards 2019 can be viewed HERE

Wales Social Enterprise of the Year

Galeri Caernarfon Cyf

Hope Rescue

RainbowBiz

Wales One to Watch

73 Degrees Film

Community Impact Initiative

DRIVE Taxi Coop

Therapeutic Activities Group CIC

Health and Social Care

Down to Earth

The Fern Partnership

Education, Training and Employment

The Fern Partnership

Empower – Be The Change

Elite Paper Solutions

Environmental

Awel Aman Tawe

Greenwich Leisure

Holywell Leisure Centre

Consumer Facing

Aura Leisure

Greenwich Leisure

Holywell Leisure Centre

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