Leading Liverpool social enterprise The Women’s Organisation is a finalist in the UK Social Enterprise Awards. Jennie Lewis reports

Liverpool social enterprise The Women’s Organisation is a finalist in four categories at the UK Social Enterprise Awards.

The awards recognise businesses that are transforming communities and tackling climate change. The four categories are: UK Social Enterprise of the Year, Prove It: Social Impact, Education, Training and Jobs and Social Enterprise Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice.

A business that is dedicated to supporting women’s economic development, The Women’s Organisation offers enterprise and employment services that are gender-focused.

From personal development to starting and growing a sustainable business, over the last 25 years The Women’s Organisation has supported more than 70,000 women in the North West. It has helped them to assess their skills, test the viability of an idea, grow in confidence and become economically empowered.

The organisation delivers training for employers internationally, in China, Iceland and The Middle East. Earlier this year, following a strong performance in 2021, it announced expansion of its international offer, with services marketed into the US, South Africa and in Northern Europe – a move that will create 12 local jobs.

Social enterprises are businesses that trade for a social or environmental purpose. There are an estimated 100,000 social enterprises in the UK contributing around £60bn annually to the UK economy and are set up to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society.

READ MORE: The Women’s Organisation expands its team

The UK Social Enterprise Awards are awarded by Social Enterprise UK, the UK’s leading membership body for social enterprises and recognise excellence and innovation in UK social enterprises.

The Women’s Organisation will be joining other shortlisted organisations and guests at an awards ceremony held at London’s iconic Roundhouse on Thursday, December 8.

Lead for marketing, communications and PR at The Women’s Organisation, Nikki Anderson, said: “To be acknowledged in just one category would have been recognition enough for the tremendous efforts of the team here at The Women’s Organisation, but to be shortlisted in four categories really is truly humbling.

“The hard work and dedication demonstrated by our entire team over the past year or two really cannot be understated, particularly as the whole country faced unprecedented challenges and changing societal dynamics.

“The pandemic was hugely, adversely and disproportionately impactful for women, and we felt more obligated than ever to make our services accessible for all women, everywhere.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work our international team have been doing too. Our esteemed colleagues, international consultants Lisa McMullan and Alison Price, offer a wealth of experience in innovative practices in enterprise education and it’s fantastic to see their hard work, knowledge and expertise recognised.”