The Phone Co-op, the UK’s only telecommunications co-operative, has been named Best Social Enterprise 2008 at a gala awards ceremony held in London.

Their prize, which included a cheque for £10,000, was presented to the team by Kevin Brennan, MP for Cardiff West and Minister for the Third Sector ñ a term applied to organisations and groups who are value driven and re-invest into community, environmental, cultural or ethical projects.

The Phone Co-op, the fastest growing consumer co-operative in the country, has proven to be hugely successful in an intensely competitive market, enjoying steady growth over the last decade. They have applied ethical and environmental policies into all aspects of their business, including operating a transparent pricing policy and promoting greener travel.

‘We are truly honoured to receive this award,’ said Chief Executive Mr Vivian Woodell. ‘The Phone Co-op set out to prove that the co-operative model could be applied in an industry which is now a fundamental part of modern society. Our success and continued growth shows that consumers and businesses alike are increasingly interested in using suppliers with a fair and more sustainable approach to business.’

The Enterprising Solutions Awards are designed to seek out and reward the UK’s most successful and forward-thinking social enterprises. Other winners on the night were CEiS ñ a leading enterprise support agency, based in Scotland; NMC Design and Print ñ a design company in Cheshire, addressing social exclusion and the lack of employment for people with neuromuscular conditions and The Wise Group in Glasgow ñ a charitable organisation, who help the unemployed find and keep a job through a range of training and support programmes.

Best New Social Enterprise’ went to a community-driven business based in Gillingham ñ Sunlight Social Enterprises CIC, while the Fyndoune Community College in County Durham, won Best Social Enterprise in Schools’. Students at the College run Water Works, which funds a well in Ghana through the sale of bottled water. Since its inception, the operation has expanded to involve all 420 of the school’s pupils. They also run a second venture, encouraging youngsters and members of their local community to work together on farming allotments and sell their produce at a farm shop.

‘All of this year’s winners provide inspiring examples of the innovative and often unique ways in which someone can make our country better, by combining social drive with real business acumen,’ said Kevin Brennan MP.

Contact: Enterprising Solutions Awards
Tel: +44 (0)20 7793 2525
Website: www​.socialenterprise​.org​.uk

The Phone Co-op wins top honour
at the 10th Enterprising Solutions Awards
Photo: © www​.socialenterprise​.org​.uk