The Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2025 were held on Thursday.
The winners of the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2025 have been announced, celebrating the outstanding organisations and individuals driving social change, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth across the country.
The prestigious awards ceremony, hosted at the voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, brought together social entrepreneurs, community leaders, and policymakers to recognise innovation and impact in Scotland’s vibrant social enterprise sector.
This year marked the 15th anniversary of the awards, with a record number of entries highlighting the creativity and resilience of Scotland’s purpose-led businesses.
The evening featured an address from First Minister John Swinney MSP, who praised Scotland’s social enterprises.
He said: “Social enterprises are a vital part of Scotland’s economy, generating nearly £4 billion of income through trading annually, supporting over 90,000 jobs, and holding a collective net worth of £8 billion.
“For 20 years, Social Enterprise Scotland has been at the heart of the sector: advocating for its ambitions; amplifying its impact, and connecting people across Scotland – people who are contributing to positive change in their communities.
“I am proud that countries around the world look to Scotland when it comes to building a fairer and thriving economy, through social enterprise. It’s why my government has protected social enterprise funding for 2025-26 at over £6 million.
“Together, we can grow Scotland’s wellbeing economy - one that puts people and planet at the heart of our decision making and investments.”
This year’s eleven award categories showcased the diversity and strength of Scotland’s thriving social enterprise sector.
From tackling poverty and homelessness to supporting communities, workplaces and building digital skills, the winners highlight the power of business for good.
This year’s Social Enterprise of the Year award was presented to BRAG Enterprises for their work supporting disadvantaged communities across Fife to achieve a more prosperous future.
The One to Watch Award, which celebrates an up and coming social enterprise was awarded to Re_Store Oban.
The Highland Weigh, a zero-waste store and cafe in Nairn, won the Environmental Social Enterprise Award, and the Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice Award went to Proud Futures for their work supporting organisations become LGBTQIA+ inclusive workplaces.
The Health and Social Care Award was presented to Include Me 2 Club SCIO, whilst the Tech for Good award went to DataKirk. Bùth Bharraugh was awarded the IDBM Community Wealth Building Award.
The Buy Social Scotland Market Builder Award, which celebrates organisations creating opportunities for social enterprises was awarded to ESES Communities.
Erin Hutton, Cafe Manager at Scran Academy was recognised as this year’s Employee Champion. The Volunteer Champion Award was presented to Charles Woodward of Bike for Good.
Following a public vote, Kanzen for Life won the People’s Choice award. Based in Dundee, Kanzen for Life is committed to building better lives by using physical activity to inspire and promote wellbeing and education.
Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland said: “This year’s winners truly showcase the power of social enterprise to create lasting change. From tackling poverty and homelessness to building fairer workplaces, each winner represents the best of Scotland’s innovation, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and the remarkable difference they make to communities across the country.”
The evening also played host to the Social Innovation Challenge winner announcement. An annual programme delivered by Firstport, the Social Innovation Challenge funds and supports innovators to kick-start solutions that tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This year’s overall prize of £50,000 went to Thrive East Lothian CIC. The other two finalists, Kinlochleven Climbing CIC and Shore Psychology CIC will each receive £25,000.
June Pennykid, Managing Director at Keegan and Pennykid the Headline Sponsors of the Awards added: “We’ve worked alongside social enterprises for decades, helping them manage risk so they can focus on creating change. Being the headline sponsor is our way of acknowledging the innovation and resilience we see across the sector. This partnership reflects our belief that business can be a force for good, and we’re proud to shine a light on the people and projects that make this movement thrive.”
