Scotland's leading social enterprises and social entrepreneurs to be honoured in awards ceremony

Ethical businesses that are improving Scotland's economy and society are being encouraged to enter this year's Social Enterprise Awards.

Social Enterprise Scotland (SES) is seeking nominations is seeking nominations across 12 categories for the Scottish arm of the UK Social Enterprise Awards.

Categories include health and social care, consumer facing enterprises and education, training and jobs.

Fraser Kelly, chief executive of SES, said: “We want all businesses to be social enterprises. Social enterprise is a more sustainable and progressive way to do business.

"The Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2015 is a prime opportunity for social enterprises of all types to step up and be counted and show us how they’re changing Scotland. We urge all social enterprises to apply. Best of luck to everyone!”

Last year's Social Enterprise of the Year was Wasps Studios, which runs arts studios across Scotland.

Audrey Carlin of Wasps Studios said: “It was fantastic for Wasps to win last time. The recognition the award has given Wasps on a national level has been incredible and it has opened new doors for us as an organisation. We'd urge all Scottish social enterprises to put themselves forward for the awards this year.”

Apply for the Social Enteprise Awards before 10 July.