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The Newry Social Enterprise sector got a much needed boost at last week's Social Enterprise NI 2023 Awards when many local businesses got well deserved recognition.
Without a doubt the highlight of the night was when the undisputed leader of Social Enterprise in Newry and further afield, received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stephen McClelland, Social Enterprise Advisor at Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency has been championing social enterprises (including Newry.ie) for over 20 years from his base at WIN Business Park. He received the award for his leadership excellence in Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency as well as his broader contribution to the sector.
The annual awards recognise talented individuals, teams and organisations for their unique contribution and significant impact to society in Northern Ireland. Over the last 11 years, the awards have promoted the incredible work and achievements of social enterprise businesses, highlighting the active role they play in changing communities, building more inclusive places to live, and making a positive impact on our environment, all while making a profit through their respective business.
Speaking about his award Stephen said "I was genuinely humbled and I felt very honoured. This was 'standing on the shoulders' of all the social entrepreneurs, who I'd worked with. It was their vision, their passion, their determination, that created the real success and I was just lucky to share in their journey."
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Stephen is also grateful to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council who fund the Social Enterprise Newry Mourne Down Programme.
Columba O'Hare from Newry.ie said "Stephen has been like an unpaid public relations officer to many local Social Enterprises, championing the very businesses he has helped create, at every turn, and promoting the sector endlessly to all. At Newry.ie we are very priviledged and grateful to have been on the receiving end of his experience, advice and assistance many times. No one deserves the recognition more. Many congratulations to Stephen and here's to many more social enterprise creations in the coming years."
Other local winners
Due in no short part to Stephen's mentoring, advice and enthusiasm Newry and Newry, Mourne and Down had no shortage of award recipients.
Bolster Community scooped the Outstanding Staff Team of the Year. Bolster together with Womenstec and CTS Projects also won the cross sector collaboration of the year.
Clanrye Group won the Rural Social Enterprise Award.
Claire Mooney, Moneydarragh Community Hub Ltd won the Young Person of the Year Award.
Centred Soul CIC were highly commended in the Outstanding Joint Volunteer & Staff Team Award.
Habitat for Humanity were highly commended in the Social Impact Award.
Radius Housing with an office in Newry picked up the top accolade of the night, winning ‘Social Enterprise of the Year’ for their exceptional social impact and ongoing work with local schools and communities.
Other award winners and finalists with a Newry, Mourne and Down connection included:
Emerging Leader of the Year - Gareth Little Harry's Place CIC
Outstanding Staff & Volunteer Team Award - Harry's Place CIC
Awards Finalists
Other local Social Enterprises who were finalists included, RUGBY CUBZ NI CIC, Saintfield Community Association, Dance Associate and finalist for Young Person of the Year was Emma Murphy from Slieve Gullion Credit Union Limited
The wonderfully talented Catherine Burns of Peak Health & Mind also made all the Awards and table centre pieces for the night.
Reflecting on the awards ceremony, Colin Jess, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise Northern Ireland, said “This year we received the highest level of entries, and our judges were impressed by the quality of the entries. Applications reflected the incredible resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and dedication of those working in the sector. It was clear to see the unwavering commitment to impact the lives of those hardest to reach, change communities and create social change.
“These awards not only celebrate talent and innovation but also brings together everyone in one room who work at the heart of the social enterprise movement. It is truly inspirational to witness the impact that these Social Enterprise winners and finalists have made to society and the local Northern Ireland economy.
“Well done to all our winners, keep up the great work. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their support in making the awards possible.”
Brendan Gallagher, Social Value Manager, AtkinsRéalis commented “We were thrilled to attend and also sponsor last night’s NI Social Enterprise Awards 2023. It was a terrific evening and as headline sponsors it was great to support the social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland and get a glimpse at the amazing work and positive social value delivered by social organisations locally and regionally. Congratulations to all the winners!”
