UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026
Each year, the UK Social Enterprise Awards shine a powerful spotlight on the pioneering organisations transforming lives and communities across the country. This year, the Awards are back but with a difference.
For the first time, we’re taking the celebrations out of London and are heading to a city with a deep connection to the social enterprise movement and the fight for social justice – Manchester!
The UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026 will take place on 12 November and will be co-produced with Co-operatives UK, the network for the nation’s co-operatives and a vital organisation in the push for a better way of doing business.
Following on from last year’s ‘Festival of Hope’, this year’s theme will be ‘All Together Now’, capturing the spirit of unity, co-operation and community that is at the heart of our network.
As societal division is on the ascendancy, the Awards will be a call for unity and practical collaboration – celebrating the inspiring organisations that are showing us that strong community ties overcome division and that another, better way of doing business is possible.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE AWARDS HAVE NOW CLOSED.
Get your tickets
Tickets are now on sale for the UK Social Enterprise Awards! Social Enterprise UK members save nearly 50% in comparison to the full ticket price. Now is the time to join our movement and make the most of our membership benefits!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS
Meet this year’s finalists!
We’re proud to reveal the shortlist for the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026!
Across 15 different categories, the shortlist shows the strength, diversity, resilience and innovation of the social enterprise and co-operative movement across the economy.
Whether it’s through delivering innovative public services, creating jobs and opportunities, embedding environmental sustainability into their work, breaking down barriers for marginalised groups, or selling outstanding products to the public – every one of the shortlist shows that another way of doing business is possible. We’ve also introduced a new category for 2026, The Co-op of the Year Award – shining a spotlight on the nation’s leading co-operative businesses.
What to expect on the night
From brass bands and Bollywood to Britpop we have a fantastic line-up of entertainment designed to suit all tastes. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by the one and only Charley Marlowe, TV and radio presenter, comedian and social media sensation!You will be treated to an incredible evening of entertainment from start to finish, starting with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners – a brass band with a difference: New Orleans jazz dressed as Sgt Pepper, with added pop tunes.
During the awards, prepare to be surprised and inspired by: Poet BXNKS, winner of the Huddersfield Literature Festival Slam 2026; West End performer, actor and writer Sam Buttery; Multi-award-winning Bollywood dancers Fiera Dance; and Charity choir Manchester Proud Chorus.
After the show it will be time “24 Hour (after) Party” until 1am with live band The MiddleTones, the powerhouse vocals of Happy Mondays’ Rowetta with DJ support from Black Hawkes of Panama, and a DJ set from Inspiral Carpets legend Clint Boon.
Why not make a day of it?
We’re proud that this year’s Awards are taking place in Greater Manchester – a region so important to the social enterprise and co-operative movement. Before the Awards ceremony begins, guests are invited to join the National Social Enterprise Summit, which will bring together social enterprises from across the country to delve into how social enterprises are building a better economy and are vital to delivering good growth in every postcode.
Manchester is a city steeped in history – and you can explore this in its many museums and attractions, including the People’s History Museum and, a little further afield, the orginal location where the Rochdale Pioneers set up the nation’s first ever co-operative business. From football to music, independent shops to arts venues – we’ve put together a list of local attractions to help make your visit to Manchester an even more memorable one!
Looking for a great place to stay? We’ve also compiled a list of hotels to suit all budgets so you can relax after the festivities are over.
Support the movement as an Awards sponsor
The awards are an evening of many impact stories where founders, teams, patrons, buyers and policymakers come together to celebrate businesses that make purpose practical. If your organisation would like to align itself with this growing movement of mission-driven businesses, we have a range of sponsorship opportunities available.
By becoming a sponsor, you will enhance your brand by benefiting from the wide reach of both partners and give a national stage for your business to stand with the hundreds of innovators working tirelessly to prove that ownership, procurement, governance, social value and community wealth can be built into the way business works.
If you’d like to find out more about sponsoring this year’s Awards check out our sponsors pack below or email ella.camille@socialenterprise.org.uk.
The UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026 are brought to you by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK
Want a glimpse as to what the Awards are all about? Here’s some of the highlights from 2025!
We are pleased to be working with Cwmpas, Social Enterprise Northern Ireland and Social Enterprise Scotland to deliver the Awards.
Our current UK Social Enterprise Awards sponsors