How Selnet are supporting Lancashire’s social enterprises through Covid-19: 

 

Selnet believe that social enterprise can transform lives and change the world for social good. Now more than ever, the skills, passion and expertise of social enterprises are needed to support our vulnerable and marginalised communities who are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

We are seeing Lancashire’s phenomenal social enterprises step up, innovate and collaborate to respond to need; whether that’s getting good food out to disadvantaged communities and maintaining critical services for marginalised people, to manufacturing masks for the NHS and providing advice and support for entrepreneurs.

The Selnet team are working hard to continue delivery of the social enterprise partnerships we lead and helping our amazing sector in Lancashire stay connected, up to date and supported:

The Covid-19 pandemic is presenting uncertainty and challenges to our organisations, teams and the communities we support. As your social enterprise network, Selnet are here to help you navigate through this uncharted territory. We will do everything we can to support you now and as we adapt to ‘the new normal’… So keep in touch!

    Liz and Team Selnet

 

 

Selnet Ltd – Business Continuation Plan (pdf) updated 14/05/20

 

Funding Updates

The National Lottery Community Fund

• NEW Coronavirus Community Support Fund information
• Coronavirus funding for frontline charities from government via the Lottery
• Awards for All grants up to £10k are open for applications, even if applicants have already had a grant this year for Covid-19 related projects
• Reaching Communities fundingof £10k+ is also available for Covid-19 related projects

Lancashire COVID-19 Community Support Fund – As a result of the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak, particularly for those most vulnerable people within our communities, the Community Foundation for Lancashire has launched the Lancashire COVID-19 Community Support Fund for community and voluntary organisations on the frontline.

DEFRA Covid-19 Food Charity Grant Scheme – The grant aims to provide immediate support for a limited period of time to help to feed those most vulnerable due to the economic impacts of Covid-19. This ensures that they can access a continual supply of food in a time of increased demand. This will feed numerous economically vulnerable groups including the homeless, the elderly and those in rehabilitation.

DCMS Loneliness Covid-19 Grant Fund – As part of the Government’s plan to tackle loneliness during the coronavirus lockdown, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has launched a £5 million to fund national organisations working to tackle loneliness and build social connections.

Good Finance – information, resources and tools designed to support charities and social enterprises navigating COVID-19

Charity Bank – If you would like to receive our regular updates and newsletters please sign up here. Information about Charity Bank’s response to COVID-19 can be found here.

Institute of Fundraising – Information for fundraisers to help everyone in the fundraising community have the right information to guide any action you might need to take

Charity Finance Group– Coronavirus and your charity – What can you do to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus?

 

Council and Government Guidance

Boost Business Lancashire

• Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. The #AskForHelp service is available to all Lancashire business owners. Call 0800 488 0057 to discuss all business issues related to the coronavirus outbreak. Our team will advise where possible, as well as directing businesses to expert advisers across Lancashire.
• We have also built a dedicated #AskForHelp hub with resilience guides, access to Government updates and partner advice as well information about webinars, virtual drop-in sessions and other support.
• A Lancashire-wide relief efforthas been launched to support those in isolation by utilising the spare capacity of hospitality businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Coronavirus: Government advice for businesses

Local Authorities

• Lancashire County Councilare continuing to work with colleagues in the NHS and Public Health England to do everything we can to delay the spread of coronavirus and ensure the people of Lancashire are protected.
• Blackpool Council– Blackpool Council’s business support team is in the process of setting up a dedicated helpline to ensure that local businesses can access the support announced by the Chancellor. Details will be issued on this website shortly.
• Blackburn with Darwen Council– includes guidance on building closures, prevention and business rates.

Government Guidance

• COVID-19: support for businesses – The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption. Sign up for email alerts to get the latest government information.
• Go to NHS.UK/coronavirus for information about the virus and how to protect yourself.
• Latest advice and updates via World Health Organisation

 

Social Enterprise Guidance

Social Enterprise UK

• Networks Community and Peer Support – A space to share the issues you face and also to support other social enterprises through this crisis
• Practical responses for social enterprises – Click here for the latest resources and tips to support social enterprises at this time. These will include webinars and documents and will be updated regularly.
• Government engagement and sector voice – Let us know your concerns and we will feed them to Government
• Webinar: Managing People through the Covid-19 pandemic

NCVO

• Information and guidance about coronavirus and what it means for voluntary organisations and volunteers.  This is to help you plan and access the latest up to date advice.
• NCVO have also taken down all pay walls on the Knowhow website. This means that all online content is now free to all to use. So, whether it’s information about governance or online training for staff who are working from home unable to do their jobs, they hope this will provide that little bit of extra support.

Employment Related Services Association (ERSA)

• ERSA is developing a resource bank that all organisations can use when people are self-isolating and/or delivery centres are not open.
• Face to face health assessments have been suspended
• Changes to sick pay
• Coronavirus support for employers, benefit claimants and businesses

School for Social Entrepreneurs

• We want to do everything we can to help you, and the people you support, weather the storm. This blog shares links to resources you might find useful. We’ll update it as new resources become available or visible to us.

Pioneers Post 

• The magazine and news source for social enterprises and the social-impact sector will be sharing news and updates specific to our sector on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Other resources:

• ​Plunkett Foundation– Information about Community Business and Coronavirus
• Charity Commission– Guidance for the charity sector
• Institute of Fundraising– Information for fundraisers to help everyone in the fundraising community have the right information to guide any action you might need to take
• Charity Finance Group– Coronavirus and your charity – What can you do to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus?
• Good Finance – information, resources and tools designed to support charities and social enterprises navigating COVID-19
• Charity Bank – If you would like to receive our regular updates and newsletters please sign up here. Information about Charity Bank’s response to COVID-19 can be found here.
• Co-operatives UK have put together a guide on HR issues answering questions such as ‘how do we treat employees who follow guidance to self-isolate?’ and ‘what about parents who are off work because their child’s school has closed?’.
• Shelter: Coronavirus housing advice and resources to support for helping those who are homeless during the coronavirus pandemic
• Groundswell: Resources to support people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. All developed together with people who have been homeless themselves. 

 

National business and employer support

• Chamber of Commerce As the situation surrounding coronavirus / COVID-19 continues to unfold the Chamber is working hard to keep you informed. With advice constantly changing and new support becoming available the Chamber will be sending regular updates to give you the information businesses need.
• This Federation for Small Business (FSB) guide includes sections on if you have to close your organisation, business insurance, advice for employers and measures for the workplace. It’s aimed at small businesses but the advice is also relevant to small charities, social enterprises, community businesses and impact organisations.
• Enterprise Nation– Support for small businesses during Coronavirus
• ​ACAS– Advice for employers and employees
• CIPD– Understand how to support your business and workforce through this global health emergency
• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)– Advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed
• Charity Comms offers a free crisis communications planning template. The same page includes links to online advice guides.

 

These links are external and are provided for information only.

Selnet is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in these links.

 

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For the second consecutive year, Selnet has been ranked in the top 100 leading UK social enterprises at the NatWest SE100 Awards. This recognition comes after securing £5.5M extensions to 3 Building Better Opportunities projects we lead on behalf of 45 social enterprise partners in Lancashire, securing the Two/Zero social enterprise scale up project, delivering the Building for Sustainability Leadership programme, the success of our annual Enterprise in Society Awards and ensuring the continuation of Lancashire’s crisis support (furniture) service.

The UK’s most impressive start-up social enterprises have been growing at a staggering rate of 355% over the past year – but this was before the onset of the coronavirus crisis. The figure is revealed as part of a series of announcements around this year’s NatWest SE100 Index, the annual list of the UK’s leading 100 social enterprises, compiled by Pioneers Post in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital.

The top 100 list was released after a rigorous process to assess the best performers of the year from almost 300 applicants. Applicants to the NatWest SE100 were asked to complete a comprehensive survey exploring key aspects of their business performance: from turnover, growth, profit and how effectively they manage their impact, to leadership, resilience and storytelling.

Selnet CEO Liz Tapner said:

_____________ While we’re working hard to support our membership through these challenging times, it’s wonderful to have this good news and recognition! Plus it’s a great boost for a brilliant team who are separated and missing our daily interactions. Selnet are proud to be the recognised lead for social enterprise in Lancashire and we do not take this responsibility lightly. As an infrastructure organisation we’re a step removed from the front-line social enterprises; but we’re here to help our sector achieve and further their individual missions. We’re continuing to lobby on behalf of our sector (#SaveOurSocEnts), to bring in partnership and capacity building opportunities, and raise the profile of members and your impact supporting communities across Lancashire. Social Enterprise services have never been more needed than now and will be at the heart of the UK’s economic, social and environmental recovery from Covid-19; and we’re here to help you be resilient, robust and responsive through the pandemic and beyond. _____________

The Sewing Rooms were also included in the Top 100 Index and joined Selnet in proudly representing Lancashire. Co-Founder of The Sewing Rooms, Paula Gamester, is Selnet’s reigning Social Enterprise Champion (Enterprise in Society Awards 2019).

Ben Carpenter, CEO of Social Value UK, which advises on the impact aspects of the SE100, commented:

_____________ “It’s heartening to see that impact management is becoming a growing focus for the UK’s leading social enterprises, as revealed in the SE100 Index. I am also particularly encouraged that the UK’s best start-up social businesses – with so many things to focus on to get up and running – are recognising that impact systems and processes must be a key priority early on, and not just a ’nice to have’ that they should think about only once the business has matured.” _____________

More detailed figures will be revealed later this month, in the NatWest SE100 Health & Fitness report – which uses data and insight from two of last year’s SE100 surveys to assess how social enterprises were performing and feeling about the future before the pandemic took hold.

Eddie Finch, partner in the charity and not-for-profit team at Buzzacott accountants, whose team did much of the due diligence for the SE100 judging, said:

_____________ “While the incredible events of 2020 to date continue to take shape I have been warmed by the response of social businesses – including many of our past SE100 Award winners – stepping in to meet new needs. While no doubt some businesses will be broken by the crisis, there are clear signs that the speed of adaptation and resilience of the sector are making massive contributions to lessening its worst effects on individuals and communities – I look forward to recognising those astonishing achievements next year.”  _____________

You can find the top 100 and top 25 newcomer lists here, to view and also to download (enterprises are listed in alphabetical order).

 

 

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We know that Social Enterprises are at the heart of the fight against coronavirus and that they will be vital for the social and economic recovery from this crisis, but too many are falling through the cracks in Government support.

Selnet are joining the calls of other sector bodies to urge Government to do more to support social enterprises and co-operatives and have signed this letter to the Chancellor containing a four-point plan to give social enterprises the support and recognition they deserve.

_____________ Social enterprises are more likely to work in the poorest areas than traditional SMEs or charities – with 1 in 5 based in our most deprived communities.  Social enterprises also employ those furthest from the labour market. They employ tens of thousands of vulnerable and disadvantaged people such as those with disabilities, homeless people and veterans. Many of these workers will struggle to find employment if the social enterprises they work for close.  Social enterprises are also more likely to be led by women and BAME people, the loss of their businesses will compound the inequalities in British business. _____________

If things remain unchanged half the sector could run out of money by June. The situation is urgent and we need as many organisations as possible to sign the letter. Social enterprises are too important to be ignored and a failure to support them will push back the fight against inequality, poverty and the climate emergency. They are the key to the recovery out of Covid-19 and must be given the support they need.

Add your signature to the form below to demonstrate to Government how important it is to #SaveOurSocents so we can #BuildBackBetter

 

Action:

Please complete this short form to add your support to our urgent call to the Government for a four-point plan to save the social enterprise sector. By doing this, you are backing our proposal for the below actions from Government:

1. Extending existing business grants to include social enterprises;
2. Changing the delivery of loan finance to work for social enterprises;
3. Opening up emergency financing for public services to social enterprises delivering services on behalf of the state;
4. Providing business support so that social enterprises can use any funds they do receive effectively to transition their business.

You can view the full four-point plan here.

You can view the letter to the Chancellor here.

 

This campaign is a collaboration between Community Leisure UK, Co-operatives UK, Locality, Plunkett Foundation, School for Social Entrepreneurs, Social Enterprise Mark CIC, Social Enterprise UK, Social Value UK, and UnLtd.

 

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Selnet Vice Chair Alistair Clarke has been awarded an MBE for his work with social enterprises across Lancashire. A former radio news editor, Alistair is a chartered business advisor and professional marketer as Director of Tick The Publicity Box CIC – a community interest company established in 2008 to aid social enterprises and charitable groups to raise awareness through marketing, PR and events.

Selnet members will recognise Alistair as one of our specialist Business Advisors, and as the host of our annual Enterprise in Society Awards, most recently held in November 2019 at the Villa in Wrea Green. He is also the Chair of Social Enterprise Solutions CIC in Blackpool.

Alistair said: “I’m delighted and honoured that my work with social enterprises in Lancashire has been recognised. I’m passionate about supporting people and social businesses that want to help others in their community.

“If you’ve ever bought a copy of the Big Issue, been shopping at the Coop, seen a show at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre, or you’re one of the volunteers at Integrate Preston, then you’re already helping social enterprises. It’s about selling goods and services and then using the profits to help others in the community.

“I work with so many people across Lancashire that do amazing work often with vulnerable people, in difficult circumstances and with limited funds and I want to see all of them considered for a national honour in the future.”

Selnet CEO Liz Tapner said “Huge congratulations to Alistair on this fantastic achievement! Alistair is an advocate for the sector in Blackpool and as part of the Selnet Business support team has supported many individuals and organisations across Lancashire to realise both their business and social ambitions. Alistair’s enthusiasm for our sector is huge and this is well deserved recognition”.

 

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Selnet have again drawn the UK’s social enterprise spotlight on Lancashire, with two members of the team receiving national Top 100 recognition in the UK’s Women in Social Enterprise WISE100 Awards.

The annual NatWest WISE100 recognises the most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise, impact investment and mission-driven business. Produced annually by Pioneers Post in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital, the WISE100 – Women in Social Enterprise 100 – recognises the most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise, impact investment and mission-driven business.

Selnet CEO Liz was named in the Top 100 having been nominated in the ‘Social Business Leader of the Year’ category, which recognises a CEO or senior manager with more than three years of career experience building revenue and social impact success. This recognition reflects overall qualities as well as successes during the past year. This follows a string of high profile awards including the UK’s most influential Woman in Social Enterprise at the Social Enterprise UK Awards a year ago, and recognition as a Northern Power Woman in February.

Partnership Manager Donna Sadler was also named in the WISE100 as Selnet’s own Anchor-woman, recognising her as a woman who keeps things moving and gets things done, often behind the scenes, and may not necessarily be defined as a leader in social enterprise.

Earlier this year Selnet was recognised as one of the UK’s top Social Enterprises at the SE100 Awards.

 

‘Wonder Women of UK social enterprise’

Names were selected this year from almost 300 nominations submitted by the public, with the final 100 revealed at a special celebration event at NatWest’s conference centre in Bishopsgate, central London. 

The awards event followed our very first WISEUP event – a day of learning and networking for women in the WISE100 network, delving into real-life business challenges and debating the role of women in social enterprise. Speakers on the day included Mursal Hedayat, co-founder and CEO of social enterprise Chatterbox and Sam Smethers, CEO of the gender equality campaigning organisation Fawcett Society. The evening celebration is to be opened by the campaigner against modern slavery and member of the House of Lords, Baroness Lola Young.

The WISE100 judges for this third annual celebration of female leadership were: Mary Rose Gunn, CEO at The Fore; Celia Hodson, founder and CEO at Hey Girls; Niamh Goggin, director at Small Change; Bayo Adelaja, ‘chief do-er’ at Do it Now Now; Parveen Bird, director at The Big Issue; and Jo Hand, founder of Giki. They were supported by a judging panel with representatives from both Pioneers Post and NatWest, including CEO of Social & Community Capital, Megan Peat.

Read more on who made the list in each of the six categories – and for more insight and inspiration from leading women in social enterprise, have a look at the WISE100 Collection. 

 

 

 

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Selnet joins national campaign encouraging Lancashire businesses and public sector to use their spending power to build a better world.

Selnet, Lancashire’s Social Enterprise Network, is taking part in the Buy Social for a Better World Campaign urging commissioners and local businesses to spend their money with social enterprises and create a positive impact through their everyday spend.

Social enterprises are businesses set up to build a better world – trading for a social or environmental purpose and re-investing the majority of their profits back towards their social mission. There are over 100,000 of these businesses in the UK, contributing £60billion to the economy.

There are over 2500 social enterprises registered in Lancashire, whose goods and services direct investment into strengthening communities and changing lives; from providing childcare services, work readiness and training support, arts and culture, manufacturing, housing associations, community transport services or horticulture services.

Selnet specialise social enterprise development and growth. They have secured over £15m in contracts and project funding since 2007, to support the sector to achieve real change for disadvantaged people and deprived communities across the Lancashire area.

Selnet, this year ranked as one of the top 100 social enterprises in the NatWest SE100, is encouraging commissioners and companies across the Lancashire area to use their spending power to help address social challenges across the county.

Selnet CEO Liz Tapner, recognised as the UK’s most influential woman in social enterprise, said

_____________ “Commissioning social enterprises means investment is directed into tackling inequality and disadvantage across Lancashire communities. Our sector specialises in transforming lives through providing opportunities and developing skills, abilities, confidence and resilience.” _____________

Selnet’s free online Trade Directory showcases the range of goods and services available from Selnet members, categorised into their specialist areas. It is intended to help new customers, commissioners and partners to engage more easily with individual organisations.

_____________  “As a network, we are all about connections. Our Trade Directory is a great place to start for connecting buyers with social enterprises, who can provide real social value and community impact to investments in goods or services. We are joining the nationwide campaign to encourage commissioners and procurement teams to capitalise on the social value their investment can achieve and build a better Lancashire by buying from social enterprises like those in our Trade Directory!” _____________

The Buy Social for a Better World campaign is being supported by Hollywood star, Michael Sheen, author and activist Caitlin Moran, actor and comedian Chris Addison and writer Sali Hughes, who have released a series of films as part of an augmented reality experience tied into the broader campaign. Shoppers at The Co-op can scan the packaging of four social enterprise products available in-store and be greeted by one of the celebrities who will describe the social impact they are helping to create by buying them. It is all part of a nation-wide awareness raising drive, mobilising communities to support social enterprises and help transform how we do business.

Commenting on the campaign, Peter Holbrook, CEO of Social Enterprise UK (who are behind Buy Social for a Better World) said:

_____________ “All businesses must do more to meet the urgent challenges ahead; social enterprises are at the forefront of developing the solutions and fairness that we need. Social enterprises are the future of business – they are growing right across our economy and scaling quickly, creating outstanding products whilst doing what’s right for people and planet. Whether it’s creating fair and secure work or running renewable community energy schemes, they offer a beacon of hope and a blueprint towards a more sustainable and fairer future. However, in order to succeed, social enterprises need your support. Consumers have real power and social enterprises can only create impact if people continue to buy from them. When you buy social, you’re helping to build a better world.” _____________

Find Selnet’s Trade Directory at https://selnet-uk.com/trade-directory/ and follow #BuySocial for more about the campaign.

 

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Lancashire awards event showcases region’s top social enterprises, including Child Action North West, Preston Vocational Centre and Lancashire Women

Lancashire is a national hot spot for Social Enterprise; businesses that are changing the world for the better. Social enterprises create employment and reinvest their profits into our local communities; they tackle social problems, improve people’s life chances, provide training and opportunities for disadvantaged people and help the environment.

Each year Selnet, Lancashire’s social enterprise network, hosts the Enterprise in Society Awards to promote, celebrate and reward the achievements of social enterprises across the area.

On Friday, Lancashire’s top social enterprises joined together to celebrate their achievements over the past year. 250 representatives of the sector’s top organisations came together at The Villa in Wrea Green to celebrate excellence in categories including ‘Community Impact’, ‘Enabling Ability’ and the ‘Social Enterprise Champion’.

Having drawn over £12M investment into Lancashire, Selnet have gathered increasing notorieity as one of the UK’s Top 100 social enterprises (NatWest SE100 2019) and are using this platform to draw national attention to Lancashire.

New to the judging panel this year, Paul Halfpenny (Director at Northern Social Investment Group) said:

_____________ “SELNET has been one of the most successful, respected and long-standing of the social enterprise networks in the UK and having seen the incredible quality of applications this year I can see why. The Lancashire sector seems to be booming, not just with a wide range of large and small businesses, but with really exciting innovations. Long may it continue!” _____________

Selnet CEO Liz Tapner, named the UK’s current ‘most influential woman in social enterprise’ and top 100 ‘Northern Power Woman’ said:

_____________ “On the biggest year in our history, we wanted this, our ninth annual celebration of Lancashire’s social enterprises, to match – and we were absolutely blown away by number and quality of nominations this year! 56 separate nominations over 9 categories show just how vibrant and successful this sector is. “This is a massive night for Lancashire – The successes we are celebrating tonight are felt by individuals across Lancashire who benefit from improved health and wellbeing, support to face daily challenges and newly expanded horizons. And in the words of Gary Barlow, you’re all giants! _____________

All 25 shortlisted organisations were in line for the top award, the judges’ choice “Social Enterprise of the Year”, in what was described as an ‘inspirational but gruelling afternoon’ for the independent judging panel Paula Brown (First Ark), Margaret Porter (Unity Trust Bank) and Paul Halfpenny (Director at Northern Social Investment Group).

Speaking on behalf of headline sponsor First Ark Social Investment, Paula Brown said:

_____________ “I was tremendously impressed by the quality of the applications and the social impact being delivered and it was a difficult decision to single out a winner in each category! We chose to be headline sponsor again to support the valuable work that Selnet do for social enterprises in the region, and to raise awareness of the investment funds we have available to help organisations throughout Lancashire to grow and become more sustainable.” _____________

Speaking on behalf of sponsor Unity Trust Bank, Margaret Porter said:

_____________ “This is the fifth consecutive year I have had the pleasure of judging the awards and have to say it has been the most difficult. The job of the judge is very difficult indeed, as all are worthy winners. Unity is delighted to be a sponsor of the awards as we are a Bank with a social conscience and support organisations with like-minded values” _____________

The Enterprise in Society Awards 2019 was held in association with First Ark Social Investment. Selnet would like to thank First Ark, Unity Trust Bank, The Sewing Rooms, Connector Media CIC and Recycling Lives for supporting this wonderful event and celebrating Lancashire’s vibrant social enterprise sector. For more about Lancashire’s annual celebration of our social enterprise sector visit awards.selnet-uk.com.

 

And the winners are…

 

 

Start Up Social Enterprise of the Year

The Therapeutic Forest provides free therapeutic woodland sessions for children with additional challenges co-led by Forest School Leaders and a Multidisciplinary Therapy Team. We run programmes for children with complex needs and disabilities as well as projects for young carers in Rossendale.

 

 

Small Social Enterprise of the Year

Preston Vocational Centre’s aim is to deliver the highest quality vocational construction training and support to enable young people and adults to gain skills, qualifications and confidence that enhances their potential and builds a positive future.

 

 

Large Social Enterprise of the Year

Lancashire Women is a leading charity for Women, established since 1982 and has grown over the years to now support over 8,616 women in the past year (with 4,850 being new women to our service). Lancashire Women value its active volunteers who support delivery of their services. Their vision is where all women in Lancashire are valued and treated as equals. Lancashire Women empower women to be able to transform their lives by bringing them together to: find their voice, share experiences and understanding, develop their knowledge and skills and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about them, so that they can have choices in becoming the individuals they want to be.

 

 

Community Impact Award

Despite challenging circumstances in the sector today URPotential continues to provide and deliver services that demonstrate how we are making a difference to the lives of local people and their families. We continue to support young people and adults, improving their future prospects and life choices. We work with the community to enhance community cohesion and make a difference.

 

 

Enabling Ability Award
HIS Provision

Over 18 months, we have developed a number of services at The Grange in Blackpool for people from all backgrounds and with deep social issues. These include free family meals and subsidised breakfasts, a volunteer programme to gain time credits which can be spent on food and clothing, a commercial laundry service so that people can wash their clothes at the Grange, school uniforms, so no child has to go without, a variety of intergenerational projects to bring young and older together, older people have reported that their worries have reduced, incidences of vandalism have reduced, and a fragile sense of community is returning to the neighbourhood.

 

 

Environmental Champion

The Larder is a small social enterprise with a big heart and even bigger ambition to achieve ‘food fairness for all’. We do this by providing education and access to good food and believe that everyone is entitled to a healthy, sustainable diet, regardless of income. We promote food that is good for people and for the environment.

 

 

Volunteer of the Year
John Raper
Active Lancashire

John joined our project as a participant after having befriended one of our support workers. He attended and facilitated activities in the Hyndburn and Blackburn area until he was ready to go it alone as an independent volunteer. He is now changing people’s lives and giving them hope and a vision to go forward.

 

 

Employee of the Year
Rachael Gallagher
Child Action North West

Rachael is passionate, compassionate and builds a fantastic relationship with the young people she supports. In the last year she has supported a high number of young people to return to education and employment, helping them realise their goals and potential. She over achieves against all targets and goes above and beyond. She is an asset to all and makes an outstandingly positive impact on the communities in which she works.

 

 

Social Enterprise Champion 2019
Paula Gamester
The Sewing Rooms

A significant part of Paula’s career was forged in the private, public and third sector and possesses over 30 years’ experience of assisting business develop and grow. She has been a director of numerous successful SME’s businesses with some of her work international in nature. Paula is currently an Ambassador on the Government’s Well North Pathway Programme; West Lancs Borough Council’s Placeboard Initiative; Lancashire County Council’s Over 50 Platform and is a current board member of Selnet. She was awarded the High Sheriff of Lancashire Award 2019 in March in recognition for outstanding commitment to the people of the county and was invited to attend Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May.

 

 

Social Enterprise of the Year

CANW Solutions CIC was established in 2009 to provide services and opportunities for vulnerable young people and adults. We passionately believe that everyone has the right to achieve their potential, whatever challenges or barriers they face. We work across the Northwest, predominantly in Lancashire.

 

 

Congratulations to all!!!

Photos from the night available here

See the story from Twitter here

 

 

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The story from Twitter

   

Morning

Good luck to all of our nominees – we’re so excited to #celebrate your hard work and impacts tonight!
The #SelnetAwards is possible thanks to support from our sponsors – @unitytrustbank @recyclinglives @SewFabAcademy @SocialEnt_UK and headline sponsor @FirstArkSocInv #socent 🍀 pic.twitter.com/bZrMM0hxe4

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

Excellent work @LarderLancs @FredFrog303 looking forward to seeing you later #selnetawards https://t.co/uMEeP2T9J5

— Liz Tapner (@LizTap55) November 8, 2019

Think we’ll be together a lot today 🤣 #selnetawards https://t.co/WDEVyeY8Ik

— Liz Tapner (@LizTap55) November 8, 2019

….and the best boss on the planet!! Fundamentally authentic and a force to be reckoned with.
Now get yer frock on @LizTap55, it’s the #SelnetAwards tonight!! 💙 https://t.co/3iCxkgTttg

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

Well done Jane @thegrowingclub – see you later 😉#selnetawards https://t.co/Ur6cY9HRpC

— Liz Tapner (@LizTap55) November 8, 2019

 

Afternoon

Good luck to the fantastic @RivingtonTG volunteers at tonight’s @SelnetLtd Enterprise In Society Awards #SocEnt #SelnetAwards #Lancashire https://t.co/ykcoltKcw6

— Groundwork in Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside (@GroundworkCLM) November 8, 2019

We are all looking forward to the @SelnetLtd Awards this evening. Wish us luck🤞 @CGAPreston @CGAClaire @CGACarolineP @kerrylouise333 @benchm1971 @danwhalley29 @GrannyGreenxx @Chrisawebb50 @CGARobW @zambianzara28 @Jules_872 #Selnetawards #buildingskills #buildingfutures pic.twitter.com/RHD7wGrUoP

— Preston Vocational (@PrestonVocation) November 8, 2019

Looking forward to attending the #SelnetAwards tonight with the @ActiveLancs team. We have been nominated for categories recognising all of the hard work of @ActiveLancs @LancashireCSI @MPTLancashire @LancsSatellite https://t.co/HkIPuwP9JG

— Sarah Walton (@SWactivelancs) November 8, 2019

Good luck @1973mandyMandy at the #SelnetAwards tonight. Nominated for Social Enterprise Champion 2019 #Lancashire @LancashireWomen

— Debbie Berry (@BerryDebbie) November 8, 2019

Checked in to tonight’s residence 🏤 @SelnetLtd #SelNetAwards pic.twitter.com/dBZgFZmMEE

— Joe howard (@joe_howard99) November 8, 2019

 

Evening

Full house, full volume networking and full of excitement at tonight’s #SelnetAwards! #Lancashire #SocEnt #celebrate
Not long until we get proceedings under way @LizTap55 @publicitybox pic.twitter.com/a3x1Juz1y4

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

We’re at the #selnetawards tonight! Looking forward to a great night celebrating all the amazing work being done by partners across Lancashire. Wish us luck!! pic.twitter.com/cJvsG4sXqC

— URPotential (@urpotentialuk) November 8, 2019

Rubbishly sneaking a photo with @peteholbrook at #SelnetAwards!! Such an epic atmosphere tonight, just beyond proud to be a part of this phenomenal sector 💙 pic.twitter.com/pSF9jBjKfY

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

Good luck to our lovely volunteer Sue, who has been nominated for volunteer of the year #selnetawards (AC) pic.twitter.com/gSuhhXr41I

— URPotential (@urpotentialuk) November 8, 2019

Great to be at the @SelnetLtd Awards tonight and proud to have been shortlisted for not one, but three awards! Go team Active Lancashire! #selnetawards #team #fridayfeeling pic.twitter.com/JOY3WHVsFi

— Active Lancashire (@ActiveLancs) November 8, 2019

Delighted to have been nominated for 4 awards tonight, with 2 staff members in for employee of the year! Good luck to all the finalists tonight #selnetawards pic.twitter.com/wkAJsYdljF

— URPotential (@urpotentialuk) November 8, 2019

TinkerbrookSupport Sevices CIC so proud of being nominated for an award #SelnetAwards .
Good luck to everyone have a great night 😊😊😊🥳🥳🥳

— TinkerbrookSupportServicesCIC (@ServicesCic) November 8, 2019

All the best to everyone attending and nominated for #selnetawards with a special mention to @IntactCentre and @PrestonVocation Have a great night.

— Guide.You CPD events (@GuideDotYou_CL) November 8, 2019

All the best to everyone attending and nominated for #SelnetAwards Have a great night.@LizTap55 @SelnetLtd and all attendees. We are looking forward to this evening. #celebrate #social #enterprise pic.twitter.com/bMaf0wklKk

— IMO (@imocharity) November 8, 2019

A huge shout out to @ServicesCic,a team effort to get nominated so very proud and privileged to be part of it all 😊😊 #selnetawards .
Good luck to everyone tonight and have a great time 🥳🥳🥳🥳

— Catherinerachel (@cathrachel10) November 8, 2019

Having a great time at the @selnet awards. Good luck to all the finalists here tonight. @CGAClaire @CGAPreston @danwhalley29 @kerrylouise333 @benchm1971 @andrew_melling @zambianzara28 @CGACarolineP @CGARobW @Jules_872 @Chrisawebb50 @martin_grayston #selnetawards pic.twitter.com/arKJrfa9F5

— Preston Vocational (@PrestonVocation) November 8, 2019

 

The Awards

“We are so passionate about what we are doing – and this is our first award! Congratulations @TherapyForest on winning the #SelnetAwards Start Up Social Enterprise Award! Presented by Paula and Maureen @SewingRooms pic.twitter.com/VJ5855ocoQ

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

A great evening at the #SelnetAwards where we’ve been shortlisted in two categories.

Fantastic to hear about so many positive social enterprises in Lancashire! Congratulations to all entrants & winners 🙌🏼 #SocEnt pic.twitter.com/ONMQ9julLy

— TheGrowingClubCIC (@thegrowingclub) November 8, 2019

“We’ve had 6000 people through the year in 10 years, with support from Community Gateway Association – and we love what we do! ” Congratulations @PrestonVocation on winning Small Social Enterprise of the Year 2019! #SelnetAwards #SocEnt pic.twitter.com/70ovIDZfjT

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

Winners @SelnetLtd . @CGAClaire @CGAPreston @danwhalley29 @kerrylouise333 @benchm1971 @andrew_melling @zambianzara28 @CGACarolineP @CGARobW @Jules_872 @Chrisawebb50 @martin_grayston #selnetawards pic.twitter.com/LQYRvJ8ne1

— Preston Vocational (@PrestonVocation) November 8, 2019

Congratulations to our Large Social Enterprise winners @LancashireWomen
“Wow thank you!! – 8600 people helped over the past year – and it get more every year, we’re so proud of our team and its great to be recognised!” Presented by Margaret Porter @unitytrustbank #SelnetAwards pic.twitter.com/kChycwJkNU

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

Congratulations to @LancashireWomen for winning the Large Social Enterprise of the Year award! Full deserved for the amazing work you do! #selnetawards

— URPotential (@urpotentialuk) November 8, 2019

Our Community Impact Award – which had 11 nominations! – was won by @urpotentialuk
“We’ve been involved in @SelnetLtd for many many years and we work with lots of partners in this room – this award is for everyone who helps us do what we do!” #SelnetAwards #partnership

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

Delighted to have won the Community Impact Award at the #selnetawards! Thankyou to everyone who has supported us, we couldn’t have done it without you! pic.twitter.com/5FEHzHv8Jk

— URPotential (@urpotentialuk) November 8, 2019

Congratulations to His Provision CIC on scooping the highly contested #SelnetAwards Enabling Ability award!
“this is more about our volunteers than for us, its about dignity in accessing support – this is for them” #Blackpool #socent pic.twitter.com/OktLqxmnVM

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

We have been awarded our #certificate for the impact award at #SelnetAwards congratulations to all IMO staff and volunteers for all the good work you do in communities of @blackburndarwen 👏👏👏 @LizTap55 @SelnetLtd #Highly #Commended pic.twitter.com/tEZQY10Dum

— IMO (@imocharity) November 8, 2019

A small social enterprise with a big heart and even bigger ambition to achieve Food Fairness! Congratulations to Environmental Champions @LarderLancs and a special mention from the stage to Kay Johnson! (There are pumpkin chutneys in your goody bags from this team!) #SelnetAwards pic.twitter.com/mjQIiuiFzq

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

Extremely proud to say our CSI Support Worker John Raper won the Volunteer of the Year Award at the #selnetawards! Huge congratulations John, very well deserved pic.twitter.com/BEhduS7Ajb

— Active Lancashire (@ActiveLancs) November 8, 2019

Our very own Rachael Gallagher has scooped the Employee of Year Award at the #SelnetAwards! 💛 pic.twitter.com/kFDcmuAiRH

— CANW (@TeamCANW) November 8, 2019

A stalwart of the #socent scheme in #Lancashire, huge congratulations to Paula Gamester, our Social Enterprise
“this is a huge surprise, I’ve come from being a disruptive 14 year old with a second hand sewing machine!” #SelnetAwards@SewFabAcademy mends the fabric of society <3 pic.twitter.com/IuBAhLPiTM

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

The judge’s choice for Lancashire’s Enterprise in Society Awards 2019 is @TeamCANW ! Winning from a pool of 25 nominations – huge congratulations!
Amazing work, and a super proud glowing team! #SelnetAwards
Presented by Paula Brown @unitytrustbank pic.twitter.com/nYItaoQgnX

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

@TeamCANW @CANWeSolutions #teamwork we are only Social Enterprise if the year. What an amazing team #changelives #makeadifference #socialenterprise #selnetawards pic.twitter.com/7sxthsAB2g

— Sue Cotton CANW (@CANW_SCotton) November 8, 2019

OH WHAT A NIGHT!! Familiar faces, lots of new ones, established #SocEnts, start-ups, #employees, #volunteers, sponsors and the @SelnetLtd team!
Huge thanks to @publicitybox @unitytrustbank @FirstArkSocInv @LancsSkillsHub @SocialEnt_UK @recyclinglives @SewFabAcademy #SelnetAwards pic.twitter.com/ee5SzyxnR1

— Selnet Ltd (@SelnetLtd) November 8, 2019

URPotential directors getting the party started as always! #selnetawards @SelnetLtd @Linda_URP pic.twitter.com/f0sZFnbIjx

— URPotential (@urpotentialuk) November 8, 2019

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