Get ready, Manchester. For the first time ever, the UK Social Enterprise Awards are coming to town, setting up shop on November 12, 2026, at the rather fitting New Century Hall. Because if you’re going to celebrate businesses that actually do good, you might as well do it in a place that practically invented the concept.
New Century Hall isn't just a pretty venue; it’s practically a monument to doing business differently. Tucked away in Manchester’s historic co-operative quarter, it was once the nerve center for the Cooperative Wholesale Society – a movement born from the legendary Rochdale Pioneers, who decided selling food fairly and sharing profits was a pretty good idea. (Spoiler: it was.) The hall also boasts a rather impressive CV, having hosted iconic concerts in the '60s and more than a few legendary parties during the MADchester era. So, it’s safe to say it knows how to throw a bash.
This year's awards are a joint effort between Cooperatives UK and Social Enterprise UK, which makes perfect sense. Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, put it best: Manchester is the ideal spot to celebrate businesses that put people and purpose first. After all, co-ops are inherently about members, community, and shared power – values that resonate deeply with the social enterprise world. Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of Social Enterprise UK, even dubbed Manchester the "northern powerhouse," which, if you’ve ever been there, feels about right.
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Start Your News DetoxThe theme for this year's celebration is 'All Together Now,' which sounds decidedly more upbeat than last year’s 'Festival of Hope.' They’ll be dishing out awards in 15 categories, covering everything from groundbreaking innovation to genuine social impact. Last year’s big winner, 'Social Enterprise of the Year,' went to Change Please – a coffee company that funnels its profits directly into helping people experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, EcoCoach CIC, which brings inclusive PE and sports coaching to schools, snagged the rather prescient 'One to Watch' award. Because apparently, even in business, some people are just better at spotting talent.
