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In a room filled with energy and emotion, Northern Ireland's most extraordinary social enterprises took centre stage last night at the 13th annual Social Enterprise Awards. Over 600 guests filled the Crowne Plaza Belfast to witness history being made, a celebration of both business excellence and organisations proving every single day that profit with purpose isn't a dream, it's a reality. Hosted by the incomparable BBC Radio presenter and social enterprise champion Cate Conway, the evening exploded with recognition across 19 categories, spotlighting the brilliant minds and determined hearts driving a sector that now stands as a genuine economic powerhouse. This Is What Success Looks Like Make no mistake – this awards ceremony arrives at a watershed moment. The newly released 2025 Social Enterprise Sector Report delivers stunning evidence of a movement in full stride: £933 million pouring into Northern Ireland's economy, over 17,000 jobs created across every corner of our nation, and a median turnover that's double the UK average. These aren't just statistics. They're proof that another way is possible. Get Claire Cartmill’s business newsletter Colin Jess, CEO of Social Enterprise Northern Ireland, captured the electricity in the room: "Tonight wasn't just about handing out awards – it was about witnessing the unstoppable force of businesses that refuse to choose between doing good and doing well. "Every winner, every finalist represents the beating heart of what makes Northern Ireland special. From fearless startups to powerhouse organisations turning over millions, they're all united by one revolutionary idea: that business can – and must – be a force for positive change." The competition was fierce, the talent exceptional. incredABLE seized the coveted Social Enterprise of the Year (Over £500k) trophy, with CCU and Derry Credit Union highly commended, while Mediation NI claimed top honours in the up to £500k category – both shining examples of how social enterprise transforms communities from the ground up. Breaking fresh ground, the brand new Environmental/Circular Economy Award went to The Advantage Foundation (Ravine), blazing a trail in sustainable business innovation. Meanwhile, Stepping Stones NI made history by winning the inaugural Building Diversity, Inclusion & Equality Award, with Bolster Community earning high commendation alongside them – both proving that inclusive business isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Tonight’s awards ceremony is a fitting platform on which to celebrate the talented individuals, teams, and organisations making a real difference through social enterprise. I would like to add my appreciation for your contribution to your business and to the people and communities you serve.” Excellence Recognised in Every Category The winners' roster reads like a who's who of social innovation: Innovation sparked from the ground up – Cairde na Cille CIC, stormed the Best New Start Up (Urban) category while Richmond conquered the rural startup field, both proving that transformational ideas can emerge anywhere. Digital brilliance shone bright as Ballymena Causeway Credit Union dominated Best Use of Social Media, while LEDCOM & Enterprise North West demonstrated true Community Wealth Building mastery. Credit unions showed their muscle with Ormeau Credit Union Ltd winning the up to £25m category, and Coalisland Credit Union taking the over £25m crown, with Ballinascreen Credit Union Ltd earning high commendation for their outstanding work. Leadership at every level was honoured – Jenny Williams from Habitat for Humanity claimed Leader of the Year, Ellen Finlay from Policy 360 emerged as Emerging Leader, and Andrew Hamilton from Just Include inspired everyone as Young Person of the Year, with Brandan Magee from SERC highly commended. Impact resonated everywhere – Rural Housing Association won Rural Social Enterprise glory, NI Active Youth captured the Social Impact Award, and Bolster Community triumphed as Product Based Social Enterprise of the Year. The people spoke and chose Seasons Coffee & Studio for Consumer Facing Social Enterprise, while Habitat for Humanity ReStore took home Outstanding Team Award, with Downpatrick Railway & SAG Credit Union highly commended for their exceptional teamwork. Heron Bros Ltd won Social Value Partnership, proving that when private sector meets social purpose, remarkable things happen. A Legacy That Inspires The evening reached its emotional crescendo with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Kevin Duffy, from Compass Advocacy Network (CAN), honouring decades of unwavering dedication to building Northern Ireland's social enterprise movement from the ground up. This was a standing ovation for a life devoted to proving that business can change the world. The Power of Partnership None of this would be possible without the visionary sponsors who believe in this sector's potential. Heartfelt thanks to GLL, Ulster Bank, Rural Action, Edwards & Co, KINECX (Firmus), Version 1, Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, Agenda NI, The Housing Executive, Irish League of Credit Unions, Construction Futures, Lockton, CFI, Go Succeed, SIB, Hays and TDS. Your investment in recognising excellence celebrates achievement and fuels ambition. 2025 WINNERS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE ORGANISATION CATEGORIES Best New Start Up (Urban): Cairde na Cille CIC | Sponsored by Ulster Bank Best New Start Up (Rural): Richmond | Sponsored by Rural Action Community Wealth Building: LEDCOM & Enterprise North West | Sponsored by Edwards & Co Rural Social Enterprise Award: Rural Housing Association | Sponsored by KINECX (Firmus) Credit Union (up to £25m asset): Ormeau Credit Union Ltd | Sponsored by Version 1 Credit Union (over £25m category): Coalisland Credit Union (Highly Commended: Ballinascreen Credit Union) | Sponsored by Version 1 Environmental/Circular Economy Social Enterprise of the Year: The Advantage Foundation (Ravine) | Sponsored by Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade Best Use of Social Media: Ballymena Causeway Credit Union | Sponsored by Agenda NI Consumer Facing Social Enterprise: Seasons Coffee & Studio | Sponsored by The Housing Executive Social Impact Award: NI Active Youth | Sponsored by Irish League of Credit Unions INDIVIDUAL AWARD CATEGORIES Young Person of the Year: Just Include / Andrew Hamilton (Highly Commended: SERC / Brandan Magee) | Sponsored by Construction Futures Emerging Leader of the Year: Policy 360 / Ellen Finlay | Sponsored by Lockton Leader of the Year: Habitat for Humanity / Jenny Williams | Sponsored by CFI TEAM AWARD CATEGORY Social Enterprise Building Diversity, Inclusion & Equality Award: Stepping Stones NI (Highly Commended: Bolster Community) | Sponsored by Go Succeed PUBLIC & PRIVATE SECTOR CATEGORY Social Value Partnership: Heron Bros Ltd | Sponsored by SIB TEAM AWARD Outstanding Team Award: Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Highly Commended: Downpatrick Railway & SAG CU) | Sponsored by Hays PRODUCT & ENTERPRISE CATEGORIES Product Based Social Enterprise: Bolster Community | Sponsored by TDS Social Enterprise of the Year (up to £500k): Mediation NI | Sponsored by GLL Social Enterprise of the Year (over £500k): incredABLE (Highly Commended: CCU & Derry Credit Union) | Sponsored by GLL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Kevin Duffy, Compass Advocacy Network (CAN)
