We’re ‘One to Watch’, says Social Enterprise UK

We’re delighted to have won the ‘One to Watch’ Award at the 2023 UK Social Enterprise Awards.

With stiff competition from many hundreds of entrants across 15 categories, these awards recognise the very brightest stars in the social enterprise sector, so we feel honoured to receive this prize in a glittering ceremony at London’s iconic Roundhouse.

The Awards are run by national sector body Social Enterprise UK and the ceremony was hosted by comedian, author and TV star Shappy Khorsandi. We also enjoyed performances from a host of social enterprises that use music to empower young people and marginalised communities, and were pleased to see many other social enterprises in the event’s supply chain.

The Standing Tall team celebrating our ‘One to Watch’ Award.

Commenting on winning, Christy Acton, Standing Tall’s Founder, said:

‘We’re thrilled to have won SEUK’s ‘One to Watch’ Award. It validates the work we’re doing and confirms the potential impact we’re committed to now make happen.’

We are one of an estimated 100,000 social enterprises in the UK – businesses that trade for a social or environmental purpose and reinvest at least half their profits to take on some of the biggest challenges we face, from homelessness to the climate crisis.

Christy Acton, Standing Tall’s Founder, accepting the Award.

Peter Holbrook CBE, the Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK and organiser of the awards, said:

“The last year has been a difficult one for businesses across the UK, and it has been no different for social enterprises. The Awards were a real evening of hope and inspiration and brought home the sheer ingenuity, adaptability and determination of the social enterprise community, which has continued to deliver for the people and communities they work with and support.

“The winners include businesses which are breaking down barriers for groups marginalised in the workforce, organisations at the heart of local economies, and those finding innovative ways to tackle the climate crisis. The ever-growing movement of social enterprise truly represents business at its best. Congratulations to all of the winners and to Standing Tall for their award.”

Find out more about the UK Social Enterprise Awards at www.socialenterprise.org.uk/all-about-social-enterprise-uk/uk-social-enterprise-awards/