Clive Hirst pictured with Val Jones from Social Enterprise North West, SENW
Social Enterprise Solutions CIC, based at the new Enterprise Centre in Blackpool, received the coveted Social Enterprise Mark - recognising its work in boosting social enterprise - in a special ceremony more than 500 feet in the air at the top of Blackpool Tower.
The award was presented by Val Jones, chief executive at the regional body Social Enterprise North West, SENW.
The Social Enterprise Mark is one of trust which proves the organisation is trading for the benefit of local people rather than shareholders or owners. Blackpool Enterprise CIC joins other proven ethical businesses such as the Eden Project in Cornwall.The scheme was established by south west-based social enterprise support organisation, Rise, in 2007 and the aim is to make it widely-recognised across the country.
Social Enterprise Solutions has advised and supported more than 100 social entrepreneurs and organisations in the town and also works with North West universities on social enterprise issues.
Clive Hirst, chair, said: “The Mark will help the public recognise and understand social enterprise and the role it is playing in the economy.
“Social enterprise is a better way of doing business and this Mark enables us to show that we are truly motivated for society and the environment.”
Tony Carr, financial director, said: “We are extremely pleased to be the first in the Lancashire to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark and to be one of its new national champions.
“It is a fantastic way for social enterprises to promote their values-driven business to customers and it will play an increasingly important role for organisations as they work to communicate with their clients”
