Social Investment Awards: shortlist announced
Fifteen social enterprises and investors have been shortlisted for the Social Investment Awards, hosted by the Cabinet Office and NatWest.
The shortlisted nominees vary from well established social investors to social enterprises who are just discovering the power of social investment.
The social investment market helps ventures that might otherwise struggle to get funding, so that they can grow and make a difference to people’s lives. Social investment can accelerate the growth of new businesses, transform the impact of our public services and support stronger communities to tackle the social challenges that they face.
Minister for Civil Society Rob Wilson said:
The UK is recognised as a world leader in social investment. We created the world’s first social investment bank, first social investment tax relief and the first ever social impact bond.
I want this fantastic leadership to continue and this shortlist recognises of the pioneers who are helping to create a bigger, stronger society
Marcelino Castrillo, Managing Director of Business Banking at NatWest, said:
We’ve had some fantastic nominations this year which show that the social investment market has become increasingly innovative and diverse. It’s great to see the market gathering momentum as finance professionals increasingly see the link between doing good and doing well.
I wish all the shortlisted organisations the very best and I am looking forward to meeting and learning more from them at the awards ceremony.
The overall winners will be announced on 3 May at the RBS Headquarters in London.
Shortlisted organisations
Category 1: Institutional social investment award
Institutional investment deal or product that has created demonstrable social impact at scale.
- Bridges Social Entrepreneurs Fund
- Totnes Community Development Society and CAF Venturesome
- HCT Group and ClearlySo
Category 2: New social investors award
Investment deal or product that has attracted new savers and investors into the social investment market.
- Resonance Bristol Social Investment Tax Relief Fund
- Social Investment Scotland Community Capital Fund
- Plymouth Energy Community and Leapfrog Finance
Category 3: Social entrepreneurs investment award
Investment deal into an early stage social organisation to create demonstrable social impact.
- Spacious Place Contact and Social and Sustainable Capital
- EVA Women’s Aid and Charity Bank
- Hospice Quality Partnership and Big Issue Invest
Category 4: Market building award
Organisation that has demonstrated innovative and diverse ways to grow the social investment market in the UK.
- Barclays Behavioural Framework for Impact Investing and Philanthropy
- CAF Venturesome Social Enterprise Assist Wales and L&G
- Ethex
Category 5: Public service transformation award
Social investment deal that has delivered improved public services.
- Career Connect and Bridges Ventures
- Mental Health and Employment Partnership and Social Finance
- Ways to Wellness and Bridges Ventures