We were delighted to pick up the Community-Based Social Enterprise Award from Social Enterprise UK, at the national sector body awards, which recognise impact and innovation in purpose-led business.
The ceremony which took place at the iconic Roundhouse in London saw social enterprises from across the country come together to celebrate each others achievements in the sector. Having been nominated in two categories; Environmental Social Enterprise and Community Based Social Enterprise, we were honoured to be recognised for our work alongside so many other fantastic social enterprises who were shortlisted from across the UK.
The team made our way to London in Silk Executive Travel people carriers generously provided by the LFC Foundation who have been using our Launderette as a commercial customer since 2020. Both LFC Foundation and Everton Football College use our services in line with their commitment to ensure they’re working with third parties who employ people at the Real Living Wage.
As a social enterprise our Launderette is committed supporting our local community and invests everything we make back into creating local job, paying the Real Living Wage, quality services and free social and educational events. We have also continued to offer a Free Washing which you can find out more about here which aims to tackle financial and social barriers people might face due to hygiene poverty.
Having started in May 2019, surviving a pandemic and growing into a thriving community hub this award felt like a great testament to our local community and those from further afield who have continued to support us on our journey.
Peter Holbrook CBE, the chief executive of Social Enterprise UK and organiser of the awards, said:
“The last year has been a difficult one for businesses across the UK, and it has been no different for social enterprises. The Awards were a real evening of hope and inspiration and brought home the sheer ingenuity, adaptability and determination of the social enterprise community, which has continued to deliver for the people and communities they work with and support.
“The winners include businesses which are breaking down barriers for groups marginalised in the workforce, organisations at the heart of local economies, and those finding innovative ways to tackle the climate crisis. The ever-growing movement of social enterprise truly represents business at its best. Congratulations to all of the winners and to Kitty’s Launderette for their award.”
We were also featured in The Echo off the back of this award which was great and brought lots of new friendly faces into the launderette. You can read the article here.
Earlier in the month we also won the Community Business Award at the Laundry and Drycleaning Awards (LADA). The Laundry and Drycleaning Awards is the original industry award event that aims to recognise companies, individuals, services and products which stand out from the crowd, those bringing a new level of customer service and professionalism to the industry and helping it face the challenges of changing society and technology head-on. These awards, open to all sectors within the textile care industry; individuals and companies alike.
Being recognised by a national organisation representing the laundry industry felt amazing as this affirms our belief that equitable business can provide professional and quality laundry services while serving our community.
We are just one of thousands of Social Enterprises spread across the UK and if you would like to find out more about how our business model works please feel free to check out the resources below. We’ve also included links to the awards shortlist and would encourage you to check out and support the work of fellow nominees from the social enterprise awards:
Social Enterprise UK Website
List of award nominees at Social Enterprise Awards 2023