UK Social Enterprise Awards

 News 

BSU shortlisted for UK Social Enterprise Awards

Friday, 14 November, 2025

Bath Spa University is a finalist in the ‘Community-Based Social Enterprise of the Year’ category at the UK Social Enterprise Awards, recognising it as one of the country’s most innovative and impactful businesses.

These prestigious national awards are run by Social Enterprise UK to recognise sector-leading excellence and innovation across a diverse range of criteria. Social enterprises are mission-led businesses that reinvest or donate at least half their profits for a social or environmental purpose.

BSU is being recognised for a number of community-focused initiatives including rethinking Locksbrook campus as a community arts hub, launching Somer, a sustainable fashion retail store and community space focused on local and sustainable design, and supporting the local creative and cultural industries through The Studio, our city centre space for innovation and enterprise.

BSU also is being recognised for supporting local social enterprise through the Bath Social Impact Network (BSIN). BSIN was launched in 2023 in partnership with 3SG and provides a space for local businesses to network and work together to grow the social economy in Bath and North East Somerset.

Hannah Whiting, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Bath Spa University, said:

“We are honoured to be nominated for a UK Social Enterprise Award for the third year in a row. Bath Spa University has had an exceptional year, embedding ethical and inclusive social value practice throughout its operations. As a university we strive to support not just our students but our community locally, nationally and internationally.”

There are an estimated 131,000 social enterprises in the UK, employing more than two million people and contributing £60bn to the national economy each year, while also tackling some of the biggest challenges facing people and planet.

Peter Holbrook CBE, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, commented: 

“Our Awards are the ultimate showcase of social enterprise impact and excellence – so those who made the shortlist represent the future of business, and a beacon of hope in turbulent times. 

“Despite economic challenges, these trailblazers are not only making profit but using it for the good of people and planet. Businesses big and small have a vital role to play in solving the problems we face as a society, and the social enterprises celebrated at our Awards give us all inspiration and motivation to do business better.” 

Bath Spa University will attend a VIP ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s Southbank Centre on Wednesday 26 November to find out if they’ve won this highly sought-after award.

Find out more about the UK Social Enterprise Awards.