Social Enterprise Network has released the much-anticipated shortlist for the annual Powerful Together Awards, taking place on Friday 30th October 2015 at Liverpool Town Hall.

The Awards recognise the Liverpool City Region’s most innovative social enterprises, for attributes such as creativity, growth and social advocacy. Award categories range from ‘Profound Impact’ to ‘Green Social Enterprise Champion’ to ‘Best Example of Collaboration’, and are synonymous throughout the region with best practice and an outstanding commitment to driving the local social economy forward.

Social Enterprise Network CEO Rosie Jolly said:

“We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the standard and sheer number of nominations received, 90 in total. Our judges found themselves faced with some really tough decisions, as the competition was once again very high; there were countless examples of the real social value that SEN members create in our local community every day. Best of luck to everyone who’s made the shortlist!”

The headline sponsor of the 2015 Awards is the First Ark Group, and this year’s judging panel consisted of leading individuals working in and alongside the social enterprise sector: Tony Cahill, Executive Director of First Ark; Pamela Ball, Chief Executive of Knowsley CVS; Dave Neilson, CEO of Fusion21; Heather Waters, Enterprise Manager for NatWest Bank and Stuart Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Liverpool Bridewell.

The shortlisted organisations are:

• Agent Academy CIC
• Ariel Trust, Healthiness
• Regenerus
• VNC Lifeline
• Genie in the Gutter
• Komaru
• Liverpool Live TV
• Open Culture
• School for Social Entrepreneurs
• The Reader Organisation
• E-Health
• Create UK
• An Hour for Others
• Robyn Dooley
• Sew Good
• Lee Pennington (Open Doors)
• Daniel Rodgers (InFocus CIC)
• Dot Art
• We Grow Co
• Wirral CVS

Shortlisted organisations will congregate at Liverpool Town Hall on Friday 30th October, where the winners and runners-up will be announced in a traditional ceremony with some unexpected twists.