FLINTSHIRE as a County has been awarded the prestigious Social Enterprise Places award by Social Enterprise UK.

The SEUK award acknowledges the amount, quality and range off social enterprise activity within a geographical area.

A stakeholder group of social enterprises from across Flintshire spent a year, supported by Mike Dodd, the Council’s Social Enterprise Officer, preparing the application.

This involved a review of social enterprise activity across the County as well as the development of a strategy for social enterprise in Flintshire, both of which were judged by a panel of social enterprise experts at SEUK.

Flintshire is now part of a network of 32 Social Enterprise Places nationwide. This will allow social enterprises from Flintshire the opportunity to share skills, experiences and network with like-minded organisations across the country.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, said: “I am acutely aware of the contribution social enterprise make to the economy of Flintshire. Flintshire County Council is committed to social enterprise - this is evidenced through our numerous projects including Community Asset Transfers, where local authority buildings, such as community centres, have been transferred to community ownership. Alternative Delivery Models guarantee the sustainability of services like leisure centres and libraries through community ownership.

“We also employ a full time Social Enterprise Development Officer, who provides free business support, advice and guidance to residents of Flintshire wanting to set up social enterprises.

“More recently we have employed a Social Impact Officer with the remit of ensuring the maximum social impact is gained form every contract the authority issues.

“Securing Social Enterprise Places accreditation through Social Enterprise UK confirms what we have always known and are very proud of, we have a thriving social enterprise economy in Flintshire.

“During the recent Covid situation, social enterprises in Flintshire have stepped up to support some of the most isolated members of the community.”

Louise Blackwell, Community Development Officer at Clwyd Alyn Housing Association added: “I am delighted to hear that Flintshire has been awarded a ‘Social Enterprise Places Award’ - which acknowledges the amazing work being done by our local social enterprises, in terms of them enriching Flintshire communities and making a valuable contribution to society.

“These businesses really make a positive difference in Flintshire, tackling local, social and environmental problems, so it’s great to see them getting this recognition.”

Sue Oliver, Director, RainbowBiz CIC, said: "As a proud social enterprise based in Flintshire we are delighted to hear the news that Flintshire has been recognised as a Social Enterprise Place nationally.

“Flintshire has a fantastic range of enterprises all doing their own incredible work through these really difficult times. RainbowBiz CIC has continued to contact all of the people it supports in many different ways throughout the pandemic. We have also helped those people to form new friendships and connect online where they could not do before. This has resulted in weekly groups meeting from around the world, sharing their thoughts, feeling and lots of laughs too."