The Selnet ‘Enterprise in Society’ Awards are open!

Selnet believe that social enterprise can transform lives and change the world. We are here to support Lancashire’s social enterprises to start up, develop, connect, and grow.

Social enterprises based or operating in Lancashire – highlight your work and celebrate your impacts at the 2022 Selnet awards!

Over the last 12 months, social enterprises across Lancashire have simply been there when needed supporting individuals and empowering Lancashire communities. These businesses adapted to external pressures, react to emerging need and support Lancashire residents in ways only they can. 

On 4th November 2022, our Enterprise in Society Awards will highlight and celebrate impacts made across our exceptional business community.

But hurry, the deadline for nominations is Tuesday 27th September at midday!

The Judges will be looking for examples of your achievements over the last 12 months in Lancashire (includes any Lancashire districts, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen) to justify awarding the top prize in each category.

Make it clear which category you are entering, with your name and contact details.  Complete a separate application per category entered for the best chance of success.

Categories for 2022

Start-up Social Enterprise of the Year

For social enterprises that have formed since 1st January 2020. The judges will consider your social mission, why you started up and what you have achieved.

Small Social Enterprise of the Year

For social enterprises under 10 staff (but no limit on volunteers). The beating heart of Lancashire’s social enterprise sector may be small but achieve great results. So, don’t be shy, really impress the judges with details of your ethos, your team’s skills and experience and how you support society.

Large Social Enterprise of the Year 

For social enterprises with 11 or more staff. The powerhouses of social enterprises. Show the judges how you bring about big changes to people and the planet.

Work or Training Social Enterprise of the Year

Given the amazing success of Building Better Opportunities and other support programmes in Lancashire, Selnet is blown away by the efforts that organisations go to in helping the most vulnerable in society move closer to the workplace. Within your application, give the judges a couple of real-life case studies to demonstrate how you have changed lives.

Employee of the Year

Tell the judges about your employee or your colleague who goes way beyond their job description. Give some examples of real differences they have made.

Striving for Equality

When equality, diversity and inclusion are present Social Enterprises reap the rewards. We are looking to highlight a Social Enterprise who have fantastic Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and are able to demonstrate their impact when working on behalf of others to tackle inequalities.

Tell the judges about how you are advancing equality for your target groups e.g. race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, social mobility, disability, health including mental health or age.

Environmental Champion of the Year

In Lancashire, our people and our enterprises are making huge strides to improve the environment. Some towns have declared a Climate Emergency, some businesses are reducing their environmental impacts, addressing the global issue.

The judges will be looking at practical measures being taken by our sector to improve Lancashire and how it fits into a wider strategy.

Volunteer of the Year

We love this category! Tell the judges why your people volunteer, what they do, about their approach to helping others and highlighting the impacts they have achieved.

Social Enterprise Champion 2022

This is always a tough category, but the judges will consider individuals who are shining examples of social enterprise in action in Lancashire. Past winners have been exceptional leaders in their field who turned an idea into a social enterprise, enabled positive change and who carry the Social Enterprise banner with them in everything they do.

Social Enterprise of the year

From all the nominations received, the judges will also choose Lancashire’s Social Enterprise of the Year No additional nominations are required for this category.