Social Enterprise Awards

Pack-IT packs up the 2009 UK Social Enterprise Award

Pack-IT Promotions of Cardiff was named as the winner of the under £1 million category at the UK finals of the inaugural Social Enterprise Awards.

The packaging and distribution firm, which provides training opportunities and employment for people with learning disabilities, won the award for best UK social enterprise with a turnover under £1m at a ceremony in London. It follows the organisation’s recent win in the same category at the Social Enterprise Awards Wales.

Wales was also represented at the UK finals by the Machynlleth Centre for Alternative Technology, which was a finalist in the category for best social enterprise with a turnover in excess of £1m, and Cardiff-based Cycle Training Wales, which made it to the finals in the Best New Social Enterprise category.

The competition was decided by an online public vote.

Managing director of Pack-IT Promotions John Bennett said: “This award is testament to the contribution of my staff. We’re celebrating our 21st birthday this year and every one of my colleagues over the years has been instrumental in the company’s success.

“This award is also recognition of the fact that social enterprises can have longevity, which is not easy to achieve, but if you are innovative and creative and have the right business model, you can succeed as a social enterprise and be sustainable.”

In addition to the award, Pack-IT Promotions has won £1,000, business support packages and a national media platform to promote itself.

In Wales, the Social Enterprise Coalition ran the awards in partnership with the Wales Co-operative Centre.

Chief executive of Wales Co-operative Centre Simon Harris said: “Many congratulations to John and the team at Pack-IT. They are very worthy winners and ambassadors for the social enterprise sector in Wales.

“CAT and Cycle Training Wales have also put Welsh social enterprises on the map and have shown that they can compete on the national stage. They are all profit-making businesses, the difference is in how those profits are reinvested. They all provide people and communities with tremendous opportunities.”

 

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business-in-wales/business-news/2009/12/04/pack-it-packs-up-another-social-enterprise-award-this-time-at-a-uk-level-91466-25318107/

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Alex Bird is an experienced co-operative searcher and activist. Follow him @coopalex3
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