Awards shine light on social enterprises

A Yorkshire-based awards event has highlighted the growing impact of social enterprises driving economic and community change across the region.

The SEYH Awards brought together hundreds of social business leaders in Leeds to celebrate organisations delivering positive and sustainable impact.

Organised by Social Enterprise Yorkshire and Humber, the event showcased a sector of around 9000 enterprises generating £4 billion and supporting 56,000 jobs, with close to half female-led, highlighting its diversity.

Awards recognised achievements across categories including Social Entrepreneur of the Year and Environmental Award, underlining the breadth of innovation across the region.

SEYH, itself a social enterprise, has championed the sector for more than 15 years, continuing to promote the role of social businesses despite limited funding.

Ali Ward, SEYH general manager and the SEYH Awards lead organiser, said: “I would like to thank everyone for making it a special night and for celebrating the hard work and impact of some truly brilliant people who, through their businesses, have done so much for their local communities here in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

“We take the event around the region, last year in Doncaster, this year it is in Leeds. 

“With all the current economic challenges hitting the business sector, this year our costs have doubled and yet we were determined to keep ticket prices the same as we know costs are going up for everyone. 

“We couldn't have done this without all our amazing sponsors.

“This year, we have been working with Printworks Kitchen and Bar, part of Leeds City College, as it fits in well with our ethos in supporting trainees. 

“We try to keep the money spent locally so it benefits the local economy and the social enterprise economy.”

Rory Mason, SEYH Award judge and managing director of 21 Degrees Digital, added: “I would like to thank Ali for putting on a great evening. 

“These awards are about celebrating incredible social enterprises and the people who make them work - as they are some of the nicest, most inspiring people you will ever meet because they're not driven by profit, they're driven by the social good and wellbeing that they provide to everybody in their community.

“What these awards highlight is just how much Yorkshire and Humber is a leading region in the UK when it comes to social enterprise. 

“Despite all the hurdles confronting businesses during the last twelve months, 66 per cent of regional social enterprises grew turnover in the last year, outpacing many traditional sectors. 

“There is a real drive, passion and purpose here that is something we just had to celebrate at this year’s SEYH Awards in Leeds.”   

The winners for SEYH Awards 2025 were: 

Start Up Award – sponsored by SEYH:

Making Sparks CIC

Neurohive CIC

The PIECES Project CIC

Winner - Elders With Roots CIC

Social Entrepreneur Award – sponsored by Northside Creative

David Wilford - Bramley Baths

Mark Storey – SCCCC

Winner - Lisa Bell - Soundproofbox CIC

Social Investment Award – sponsored by Better Society Capital 

Bramley Baths & Community Ltd and Co-Operatives UK

YorSpace and Resonance

Winners - Getting Clean CIC and Postcode Innovation Trust

Social Impact Award – sponsored by Key Fund

Create Strength Group

Ilkley Community Enterprise (Outside the Box)

Winner - Bevan Community Benefit Society

Large Social Enterprise Award – sponsored by 21 Degrees Digital

The Sleep Charity

Revive Reuse CIC

Ilkley Community Enterprise

Winner - The Green Estate CIC

Small Social Enterprise Award -sponsored by SEYH

The Nest Holmfirth CIC

Holmfirth Tech Ltd

Armley Action Team CIC

Winner - Umbrella Yoga CIC

Innovative Use of Technology Award – sponsored by ESP Project

Create Strength Group

Winner - Participate Projects

Environment Award – sponsored by Utility Aid

Riverlution

Food Works

Community Furniture Store (York) Ltd

Winner - Thread Republic CIC

For more information about SEYH and how your social enterprise can take part in the awards for 2026, click here.

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