Upturn shortlisted for UK Social Enterprise Awards 2023
Upturn is a finalist in the UK Social Enterprise Awards, recognising it as one of the country’s most innovative and impactful businesses.
We at Upturn are thrilled to announce our selection as a finalist in the Education, Training & Jobs Social Enterprise of the Year category at the prestigious UK Social Enterprise Awards. This nomination is particularly significant as it comes amidst fierce competition, with over 400 entries from across the nation.
Our co-founders, Anwar Ali OBE and Maria Williams, expressed their pride and gratitude: “We are extremely proud to be one of the finalists shortlisted together with some other amazing social enterprises from across the UK in a category ‘Education, Training and Jobs’, that means the world to both of us. Upturn plays a key role in supporting local people, communities and business. In the last two years alone, we have helped more than 800 people back into education, training or employment. We are passionate about the work we do and the impact we make every day transforming the lives of ordinary people, assisting communities and supporting businesses”.
They further emphasized the crucial role of social enterprises in society: “Social enterprises have an important role to play to address societal challenges and empowering individuals and we want to continue to play our part.”
This year's Awards Ceremony, hosted by Social Enterprise UK, will take place in the iconic Roundhouse in London on Thursday, 30 November, where we will join other esteemed finalists and VIP guests to celebrate excellence and innovation in the sector.
Social enterprises are integral to the UK's economy, with more than 100,000 entities employing around two million people and contributing £60bn annually. They tackle some of the most pressing societal and environmental challenges.
Peter Holbrook CBE, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, commended the finalists: “Our Awards are the ultimate showcase of the impact and excellence of social enterprises. Those who made the shortlist are a beacon of innovation, optimism and resilience in turbulent times. These are trailblazers and standard-setters for better business, making profit but not putting it before people and planet – and they do all this under the same immense pressures as other businesses, with the long-term impacts of Covid and a national cost of living crisis. The challenges we face as a society demand new approaches and a shift in how businesses – big and small - act. Social enterprises celebrated at our Awards are the brightest stars in a brilliant sector, giving us all inspiration and motivation to do business better.”
We at Upturn are honored to be part of this inspiring movement and look forward to continuing our impactful work in education, training, and employment.
