Campaign returns to recognise social entrepreneurs across the UK

Social entrepreneurs make a vitally important difference in our society. UMi’s campaign recognises and celebrates the passionate, driven and innovative people behind some of the best socially-aimed businesses in the UK.

Throughout the campaign, experienced UK ambassadors and supporters will help promote social entrepreneurship and work with UMi to identify future role models to be recognised in the online index.

Nicki Clark, Chief Executive of UMi, explained: “For over a decade, UMi has been celebrating and inspiring entrepreneurship across the UK. We believe really strongly that by being a great business we can do great things that make a positive difference to other businesses and people’s lives.

“It’s fantastic to see the growing number of entrepreneurs that have a strong social purpose to their business from the outset.

“We know these trailblazing entrepreneurs don’t often find time to reflect on their success beyond their annual impact report, so we wanted to offer the opportunity to celebrate while gaining additional exposure for their work, as well as further connections and support.”

By definition, a successful entrepreneur is someone who is running a successful business. While taking account of business and social impact measures in the judging, the campaign focuses on the entrepreneurs behind the businesses; the people who go further to make the world a better place. It gives them a platform to tell their story, providing inspiration to thousands of others in the process.

The UK Social Entrepreneur Index has the support of eight ambassadors who were selected for being shining examples of how social entrepreneurs can make an impact on a local and international level. They are: Alan Mahon - Brewgooder; Andrew Bastawrous - Peek Vision; Cameron Saul - BOTTLETOP; Kate Welch - Social Enterprise Acumen CIC; Lucy Buck - Child’s i Foundation; Paul Skidmore - Rising Academies; Rachel Wang - Chocolate Films; and Rosie Ginday - Miss Macaroon.

In addition to 2019’s supporter, Social Enterprise Mark CIC, the Index welcomes two new supporters for 2020 – Inspiring Women Changemakers and the School for Social Entrepreneurs.

Commenting on her inclusion in the 2019 Index as one of the ‘Ten of the Best’, Claudine Adeyemi, Founder of Career Ear, said: “Being included in the list and the events is really amazing, because it's kind of validating that there are other people that think this is an important message to get out to everyone; that you can do this, and that more businesses should be set up this way. That's quite important for us.”

Anyone interested in being involved in 2020’s Index campaign as an ambassador, supporter or partner can contact the organisers through the website.