Social Enterprise Awards 2024 welcomes over 600 'talented individuals, teams, and organisations making a significant difference in Northern Ireland'

The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2024 took place on Friday (November 8) honouring the region's most impactful social enterprises.

This prestigious event was held in partnership with Go Succeed and the Department for the Economy at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast.

Hosted by local radio presenter and ambassador for the Social Enterprise sector, Cate Conway, the black-tie evening welcomed around 600 attendees from the private, public, and social enterprise sectors.

These annual awards shine a spotlight on the talented individuals, teams, and organisations making a significant difference in Northern Ireland. Over the past 12 years, the awards have highlighted the remarkable achievements of social enterprises, underscoring their vital role in transforming communities, fostering inclusivity, and positively impacting the environment—all while maintaining profitability.

The night featured a diverse array of winners across 18 categories. Notably, The Workspace Group and Downpatrick and Country Down Railway Association who were awarded ‘Social Enterprise of the Year’ in both the Over £500k and Up to £500k categories for their outstanding social contributions and collaboration with local businesses and communities.

Other accolades included Paula Jennings from Stepping Stones, who was honoured as Social Enterprise Leader of the Year, and Derry Credit Union, recognised as the Outstanding Staff Team of the Year. Patsy McShane took home the Lifetime Achievement Award on the night. A well-deserved accolade for a man who has dedicated his career and some 50 years of his life to the social enterprise, voluntary and community sectors and his dedication and commitment to the sector has been and continues to be second to none.

Colin Jess, CEO of Social Enterprise NI, said: “Once again, the Social Enterprise NI Awards has delivered an evening profiling the best of what the social enterprise sector in NI can offer.

"The quality of entries this year has continued to impress with almost 600 guests enjoying an evening of networking and celebration of the individuals and organisations who continue to go the extra mile in delivering and supporting those at most need in our society through their business ethos of delivering real profit with purpose. It was truly inspirational to witness the impact that all finalists make daily in society and their input to the wider NI economy.

“The Awards also generate increased awareness of the work of the social economy, and we are delighted that our recently launched Directory now makes it easier to contact these organisations, so what not find out for yourself and get in touch.

“Well done to all winners and shortlisted organisations. I would also like to thank all our sponsors, without whom the evening would not be possible.”

Economy Minister Conor Murphy, explained: “I’m a great believer in the power of social enterprise. These awards recognise and celebrate the transformative impact of social enterprise, and I congratulate all the award winners, and everyone involved. I want to continue to build the strength of social enterprises here which is why my Department is working with people from the sector to co-design an action plan for the future.”

Headline sponsor, Go Succeed added: “Go Succeed is proud to sponsor this year’s Social Enterprise NI Awards and it was an honour to spotlight social enterprises making a tangible difference in their communities.

“We were overwhelmed by the quality of the entries, people’s ideas, and their execution. We hope these awards not only recognise social enterprises already established, but act as inspiration for others to build their own.

“Go Succeed is here to support entrepreneurs whether they are just starting, growing, or scaling their social enterprises. The resources Go Succeed offers are a huge asset to business owners, and it is such a pleasure to be a small part of their success.

“Congratulations to all winners and finalists and we look forward to seeing your continued success.”

Individual category sponsors included Community Finance Ireland, Construction Futures, Department for the Economy, Edwards and Co, Evolv, Firmus Energy, Go Succeed, Halifax, Hays, H&J Martin, Housing Executive, Irish League of Credit Unions, Inspire, Kith and Kin Financial Services, Lockton, ProAptivity, Radius Housing, Transport Training Services, Ulster Bank and Viable.

Winners of 2024 Social Enterprise NI Awards:

Best New Start Up

Winner: Arts Care

Community Wealth Building Award

Winner: The Advantage Foundation

Rural Social Enterprise Award

Winner: Tidal Toomebridge

Credit Union Award – Up to 25m Turnover

Winner: Ormeau Credit Union

Credit Union Award - Over 25m Turnover

Winner: Coalisland Credit Union

Highly Commended: SAG Credit Union and CCU Credit Union (Clonard)

Co-Operative of the Year

Winner: Lurgan Credit Union

Best Use of Social Media

Winner: Madlug

Consumer-Facing Award (via public vote)

Winner: Bolster Community

Social Impact Award

Winner: The Advantage Foundation

Highly Commended: Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Young Person of the Year

Winner: Joey Crawford, Harry’s Place CIC

Highly Commended: Katie Whiteside, Madlug

Emerging Leader of the Year

Winner: Morgan Young, Downpatrick, and County Down Railway Association

Leader of the Year

Winner: Paula Jennings, Stepping Stones

Council of the Year

Winners: Belfast City Council and Mid and East Antrim Council

Social Value Partnership Award

Winner: Heatherington Contractors and React Social

Highly Commended: IncredABLE and ABC Council

Outstanding Team Award

Winner: Derry Credit Union

Highly Commended: Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Product Based Social Enterprise

Winner: Madlug

Highly Commended: Naturally North Coast & Glens

Social Enterprise of the Year, up to £500k

Winner: Downpatrick and County Down Railway Association

Highly Commended: Argyle Business Centre

Social Enterprise of the Year, over £500k

Winner: The Workspace Group

Highly Commended: GLL/Better