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Manchester to host UK Social Enterprise Awards for first time
The UK’s biggest celebration of businesses with a social or environmental purpose is moving to Manchester. The UK Social Enterprise Awards will take place on 12th November 2026 at New Century Hall in the city’s co-operative quarter, the first time the awards have taken place outside London. New Century Hall was originally the headquarters of the Cooperative Wholesale Society, a collective of around 300 cooperatives. The roots of the Society can be traced back to the Rochdale Pioneers, a group of workers who sold food at fair prices and shared profits among members. During the 1960s the hall hosted concerts by Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, and was also a mainstay party venue during the city’s MADchester era. The event will be co-produced by Cooperatives UK and Social Enterprise UK for the first time. Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, said: "Greater Manchester is the perfect place to celebrate businesses that put people and purpose first. Co-operatives are owned by their members, rooted in their communities and built to share power, opportunity and impact. These are values we share with the wider social enterprise movement, so we’re proud to be working with Social Enterprise UK to bring the awards to Manchester.” "When I think of the term 'northern powerhouse', I instantly think of the great city of Manchester. I'm delighted that we'll be working with Co-operatives UK to bring this joyful event to the birthplace of the first businesses specifically set up to benefit communities," said Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of Social Enterprise UK. Following on from last year’s ‘Festival of Hope’, this year’s theme will be ‘All Together Now’. The awards recognise sector excellence in social enterprises of all sizes across a range of 15 categories, from innovation to impact. Amongst last year’s winners were Social Enterprise of the Year Change Please, a coffee company using profits to tackle homelessness, and ‘One to watch’ winners EcoCoach CIC, which provides inclusive PE and sports coaching for schools. More information about applications and tickets will be announced soon on social media channels. For now, enjoy the launch video below!
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