Skelmersdale-based Social Firm, Brighter Future Workshop (www.bfworkshop.co.uk), won the ‘Best Small Social Enterprise’ category in the national heats of the Social Enterprise Awards in London yesterday afternoon. Peter Cousins and Jackie Tittle picked up the award from Tessa Jowell, Minister For The Cabinet Office. Social Firms are businesses set up to create employment for people disadvantaged in the workforce – Brighter Future Workshop’s business focus is the provision of mobility equipment repair services and training. It also provides meaningful employment to disabled people.
The Social Enterprise Awards recognise and celebrate the vital work carried out by the most successful social enterprises in the UK in terms of their: - impact on society and/or the environment; - innovative approach to addressing social/environmental needs; - quality of business.
Peter Cousins, Manager of Brighter Future Workshop, said: “We at Brighter Future Workshop are delighted to reach the final of the UK Social Enterprise Awards. Our success will greatly enhance our public awareness and will lead to more people with disabilities becoming aware of Brighter Future Workshop and the services we provide for the community.”
Social Firms UK CEO, Sally Reynolds, comments: "Brighter Future Workshop is a valued member of Social Firms UK. We are delighted that the fantastic work they do has received national recognition!”
The next stage
Brighter Future Workshop will now compete against three other social enterprises (one each from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) for the title of ‘Best Small Social Enterprise’. The winner will be decided through a public online vote, from now until 30 November. To show your support for Brighter Future Workshop, cast your vote at: http://www.socialenterpriseawards.org.uk/awards_vote.php The winner will then be announced at a gala event in London on 3 December 2009.
To view a video about Brighter Future Workshop and read about why they think you should vote for them, visit: http://www.socialenterpriseawards.org.uk/pages/profiles-best-small-social-enterprises.html#BFworkshop
For more information about the Social Enterprise Awards visit: www.socialenterpriseawards.org.uk
Photo: Paul and Andrew from Brighter Future Workshop