This year saw a record number of applications, highlighting the continued growth of Scotland’s social enterprise movement

The shortlist has been unveiled for the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2025, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of organisations and individuals using business for good to drive positive change in communities.

This year saw a record number of applications, highlighting the continued growth, resilience and innovation of Scotland’s social enterprise movement.

The 2025 shortlist (see below) spans 10 diverse categories, recognising trailblazers in areas such as sustainability, health and social care, tech for good, and diversity and inclusion.

This year’s categories include Social Enterprise of the Year; One to Watch; Environmental Social Enterprise; Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice, Health and Social Care; Tech for Good; IDBM Community Wealth Building; Buy Social Scotland Market Builder; Social Enterprise Employee Champion; and Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion.

Social Enterprise Scotland, which organises the awards, has also introduced the new People’s Choice Award for 2025, which will be decided by public vote from among all shortlisted finalists.

Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year’s shortlist, especially in what has been a record-breaking year for applications. The calibre of entries has been outstanding and reflects the strength, diversity and ambition of social enterprises across Scotland.

“These organisations are at the heart of social change, tackling pressing issues such as climate change, equity and inclusion, health, and community empowerment. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all those shortlisted and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the awards ceremony.”

The winners will be announced at the voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, on Thursday 6November.

Full shortlist

Social Enterprise of the Year - sponsored by Keegan and Pennykid

For a social enterprise that has demonstrated a clear vision, excellence in impact, customer service, and management, plus that little something extra in terms of creativity and innovation. 

• BRAG Enterprises
• INCH Architecture + Design
• Kanzen for Life
• Scarf
• The Boardwalk
• UCan - Learn.Work.Live

One to Watch

For a social enterprise that shows early potential and can clearly articulate their future vision, how they are going to achieve it, and how they will drive growth in their business. 

• Autistic Knowledge Development CIC
• Change Please - Scotland
• Re_Store Oban
• Shore Psychology
• The Cabrach Distillery CIC

Environmental Social Enterprise - sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction

For a social enterprise in the green and environmental sectors that can show a clear, evidenced environmental impact. 

• ApparelXchange
• Changeworks
• Glasgow Wood
• ILM Highland
• The Highland Weigh

Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice - sponsored by Glasgow City Council

For a social enterprise that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity. 

• Highland Blindcraft
• Highland Yoga Collective
• Project Esperanza SCIO
• Proud Futures
• Scarf

Health and Social Care - sponsored by the Health and Social Care Alliance

For a social enterprise in the health and social care sector with excellent vision and strategic direction, clear leadership, evidenced social, environmental, and community impact. 

• Highland Yoga Collective
• Include Me 2 Club SCIO
• Lifelink
• South Ayrshire Escape from Homelessness (SeAscape)
• Sunny Cycles

Tech for Good - sponsored by Breeze Digital

For a social enterprise that is using technology to achieve its social impact

• Braw Talent
• Code Division
• DataKirk
• Flosverse Techsphere CIC
• Highland Blindcraft

IDBM Community Wealth Building - sponsored by Balfour Beatty

For an IDBM (Inclusive and Democratic Business Model) - e.g. a social enterprise, development trust, co-operative, employee-owned business, community enterprise - that has made significant impact in their local community.

• BRAG Enteprises
• Buth Bharraigh
• Isle of Skye Renewables Co-operative
• Point and Sandwick Trust
• Scarf
• West Granton Housing Co-operative

Buy Social Scotland Market Builder - sponsored by AtkinsRealis

For a social enterprise, public sector body or private sector organisation that has demonstrably made efforts within its own organisation and remit to create more opportunities to buy from social enterprises.

• Balfour Beatty
• CVS Inverclyde: EPIC Project
• ESES Communities
• Greyfriars Charteris Centre
• McTaggart Construction

Social Enterprise Employee Champion -sponsored by Social Enterprise Academy

This award recognises an individual working in a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference. 

• Donna Cuthbertson, Orkney Dance and Fitness
• Erin Hutton, Scran Academy
• Felice Bretman, Lifelink
• Mark McRitchie, Community Central Hall

Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion - sponsored by Social Enterprise Academy

This award recognises an individual volunteering with a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference. 

• Alison Plummer, St. Mary's for All
• Ayoub Stitou, Govan Community Project
• Charles Woodward, Bike for Good
• Fiona Chisholm, Make Do and Grow
• Patrick Mills, New Start Highland