Coalition searches for UK's best social enterprise

Social enterprises could win up to £5,000 in a new awards programme launched today by the Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC).

Social enterprises across the UK can apply for the awards from today until 28 September 2009.

SEC is looking for the 'most successful and inspiring social enterprises' in the categories of best social enterprise with a turnover of more than £1m, the best with a turnover of less than £1m and best new social enterprise.

As well as the cash, winners will receive business and media support.

The awards are run in partnership with the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition, Wales Co-operative Centre and the Social Economy Network in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith, the new third sector minister, has also offered her support.

She said: 'There is a strong public appetite for socially responsible business, particularly in the current economic climate, and social enterprises have a key role to play in creating a more responsible economy of the future.'

Applications from today will compete in national heats for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The heat winners, announced during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November, will then be in the running for the UK-wide prizes.

Then, for one week only, members of the public can vote for their top social enterprises online, as well as voting for one ultimate social enterprise of the year.

And to mark the dedication of young people in social enterprise, SEC also has an award for the best social enterprise in schools in England.

Jonathan Bland, SEC CEO, who is stepping down in October before the final awards are presented, said: 'We are delighted to be launching the inaugural year of the Social Enterprise Awards. We are working with incredible partners and sponsors across the UK to deliver these new national awards that we believe will have a far reach and a big impact in celebrating and promoting social enterprise.

'Social enterprises have been increasingly under the spotlight as the nation looks for a new approach to business and to solutions for social and environmental issues. We are very proud to be involved in rewarding the very best of social enterprise in the UK.'

The awards are sponsored by The Office of the Third Sector, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Department of Communities and Local Government, Partnerships UK, Unity Trust Bank and the Wates Family Enterprise Trust.

To find out more, visit: www.socialenterpriseawards.org.uk