The event, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland, highlights excellence and outstanding achievements by social enterprises – businesses that reinvest their profits for social and environmental good and that demonstrate they’re improving and building a better economy and fairer society.
In the ‘Environmental Award’ category is Home Basics (Tweeddale) Co Ltd, which makes quality, used and pre-loved homeware available at retail outlets in Walkerburn and Hawick.
The company encourages a reuse society across local communities, reaffirming the value of household assets. This helps reduce waste whilst preventing the need for manufacturing new products similar to those readily available and locally sourced.
Among the nominees in the ‘One to Watch’ category is the recently-established Hike & Bike Galashiels, based at 47 Channel Street, which encourages walking and cycling for active travel and as healthy leisure activities – and make them available to everyone regardless of income.
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And in the ‘Health and Social Care’ section is Berwickshire-based Eat, Sleep, Ride CIC, an accessible, community-led social enterprise operating from a 24-acre off-grid farm in Lamberton.
Through ‘equine therapy’ it supports people on their journey to wellness and empowerment through therapeutic, educational and community initiatives.
Kim Wallace, director of membership and policy at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “There is always much to celebrate about the impact of social enterprise in Scotland at both a local and national level.
“We were delighted by the quality, diversity, and geographic spread of applications this year with application numbers almost back to pre-pandemic levels. This is encouraging as this reflects the resilience, determination, and growth of the social enterprise movement.”
The winners in nine categories will be announced at an evening awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, October 26, hosted by Beatrice Wishart, Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP.