Flintshire recognised as one of 32 hotspots in UK following award win

An award recognising where social enterprise activity is has been presented to Flintshire.

A group of social enterprises from Flintshire spent 12 months preparing the application for Social Enterprise UK’s (SEUK) Social Enterprise Places award.

They were supported by Flintshire County Council’s Social Enterprise Officer Mike Dodd.

Reviews were conducted on the social enterprise activity as well as the development of a strategy for social enterprise in Flintshire, both being judged by an SEUK expert panel.

Flintshire is now part of a network of 32 Social Enterprise Places nationwide.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, said: “I am acutely aware of the contribution social enterprises make to the economy of Flintshire. Flintshire County Council is committed to social enterprise – this is evidenced through our numerous projects including Community Asset Transfers, where local authority buildings, such as community centres, have been transferred to community ownership.

“Alternative Delivery Models guarantee the sustainability of services like leisure centres and libraries through community ownership.

“We also employ a full-time Social Enterprise Development Officer who provides free business support, advice and guidance to residents of Flintshire wanting to set up social enterprises. 

“More recently we have employed a Social Impact Officer with the remit of ensuring the maximum social impact is gained from every contract the authority issues. 

“Securing Social Enterprise Places accreditation through Social Enterprise UK confirms what we have always known and are very proud of, we have a thriving social enterprise economy in Flintshire.

“During the recent COVID situation, social enterprises in Flintshire have stepped up to support some of the most isolated members of the community.”

Louise Blackwell, Community Development Officer at Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, added: “I am delighted to hear that Flintshire has been awarded a ‘Social Enterprise Places Award’ – which acknowledges the amazing work being done by our local social enterprises, in terms of them enriching Flintshire communities and making a valuable contribution to society.

“These businesses really make a positive difference in Flintshire, tackling local, social and environmental problems, so it’s great to see them getting this recognition.”

Sue Oliver, Director at RainbowBiz CIC, said: “As a proud social enterprise based in Flintshire we are delighted to hear the news that Flintshire has been recognised as a Social Enterprise Place nationally.

“Flintshire has a fantastic range of enterprises all doing their own incredible work through these really difficult times. RainbowBiz CIC has continued to contact all of the people it supports in many different ways throughout the pandemic.

“We have also helped those people to form new friendships and connect online where they could not do before. This has resulted in weekly groups meeting from around the world, sharing their thoughts, feelings and lots of laughs too.”