The Pioneering Social Enterprise Mark recognises that Shoreditch Trust operates genuine social enterprises that qualify against strict criteria of community-ownership, operation for social benefit, democratic control by Hackney communities, solvency and investment of profit into social objectives. The mark will provide a quality assurance to customers - helping to inform ethical decisions around spend, and will promote awareness of the significant benefits that social enterprises bring to the Borough of Hackney.
“We’re delighted to be accredited as one of the first 15 recipients of the Pioneering Social Enterprise Mark in Hackney. Social Enterprise underpins the work Shoreditch Trust does to support people to improve their lives. Our Enterprise programme works across the Trust as a key strategic theme and takes many forms such as Waterhouse Restaurant and Conferencing, workspaces, Waterhouse Cookery School, our Healthy Living Centre and through commissioned Programmes such as Smokefree Hackney. Income generated through these projects directly supports the Charity’s work with marginalised communities and, we hope, brings communities together.
We are excited about the opportunity this mark and the recognition that this social enterprise movement will bring to Hackney’s enterprises. We look forward to developing deeper links with other mark holders and emerging social enterprises in the Borough to support social change by sharing knowledge and to celebrate Hackney’s successes. Huge thanks to HCD for giving us the opportunity and we congratulate them on this fantastic partnership with UBS and creating the Mark!” Hilary Clayton, Director of Enterprise and Asset Development at Shoreditch Trust.
The Pioneering Social Enterprise in Hackney Mark has been created by Hackney Co-operative Developments, who also provide a support programme to social enterprises across the borough, thanks to funding from UBS. The aim of both the mark and the support packages are to grow the social economy in the borough. The launch of the mark is also part of wider work Hackney Co-operative Developments is leading, with Hackney Council, Social Enterprise UK and the Mark holders to have Hackney recognised as inner-London’s first ‘Social Enterprise Borough’.
“Hackney is a borough that leads the way in social enterprise, it is part of the fabric of our community resilience against many pressures of change and uncertainly. People of Hackney really identify themselves with the borough and seek opportunities to contribute to its strength. Trading with local social enterprises is a powerful way to do this. The 15 businesses that were recognized in today’s awards are true social enterprise pioneers that support Hackney to flourish and I am proud to be working with them.” Dominic Ellison, CEO, Hackney Co-operative Developments.
