The shortlist for the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026 has been revealed, celebrating the efforts of social enterprise businesses across the country.
This year, the awards are co‑produced by Social Enterprise UK and Co‑operatives UK, “recognising the role co‑ops play in shaping a fairer, more inclusive economy”.
The winners, across 15 categories, will be announced at a ceremony on 12 November at New Century Hall, in the heart of Manchester’s co‑operative quarter – the first time the Awards have taken place outside London.
For the first time, a brand new award – Co‑op of the Year – shines a dedicated spotlight on the nation’s leading co‑operative businesses.
“Businesses usually only make headlines when they’ve been behaving badly or announcing huge profits,” said Social Enterprise UK CEO Peter Holbrook, “so every year it’s a joy to celebrate those that are quietly getting on with the job of making a positive contribution to society.
“The UK Social Enterprise Awards celebrate the organisations focused on making communities healthier, happier and more environmentally friendly. They’re an inspiration to anyone looking for examples of ways to do business better.”
Rose Marley, CEO of Co‑operatives UK, added: “It’s brilliant to see so many outstanding co‑operatives on this year’s shortlist, proof of the huge contribution member‑owned businesses make to communities right across the country.
Related: Co-ops and CICs celebrated at Social Enterprise UK’s Festival of Hope
“With the new Co‑op of the Year Award, we’re able to shine a spotlight on that impact like never before. And as we prepare to bring the Awards to Manchester’s co‑operative quarter, the birthplace of the co‑operative movement, it feels only right that we’re celebrating the businesses carrying that legacy forward today.”
The six co‑operatives shortlisted for the inaugural Co‑op of the Year award are:
- Signalise Co‑op
- Channel Islands Co‑op
- Emerge Recycling & Touch Wood
- Unicorn Grocery
- Fram Farmers
- Stretford Public Hall
Co‑operatives also feature strongly across the wider shortlist:
- Unicorn Grocery – shortlisted for three awards: UK Social Enterprise of the Year, Co‑op of the Year and Consumer-Facing Social Enterprise of the Year
- OurCoop – shortlisted for two awards: International Impact Award and Social Enterprise Technology or Innovation of the Year
- Community Dental Services CIC – shortlisted for two awards: UK Social Enterprise of the Year and Public Services Social Enterprise of the Year
- Co‑op Group – shortlisted for the ‘Buy Social’ Market Builder Award
- Other co-operatives making the shortlist are The Hull Community Pub Society / The New Clarence (Ones to Watch) and Fair Tax Foundation (International Impact Award).
Mark Cox, CEO of Channel Islands Co-op, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for Co-op of the Year. As a business owned by our members, this recognition belongs to our colleagues, members, local producers, partners and communities across Jersey and Guernsey who support us every day.
“Being a co-operative means putting people, community and shared value at the centre of every decision we make. From returning value to members and supporting local causes, to investing in innovation and sustainability for the future, our focus has always been on creating long-term benefits for our islands.
“To be recognised alongside so many inspiring co-operatives from across the UK is a tremendous honour, and we are delighted to be representing the Channel Islands on a national stage.”
Debbie Clarke, co-operative member at Unicorn Grocery, said: “Being shortlisted across three categories is a brilliant 30th birthday gift for Unicorn. It shows how well such a simple proposition – nourishing food, honest prices and worker-ownership – stands the test of time. We are so proud of how our business thrives, not despite our values, but because of them.”
Tickets for the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026 are on sale now, with members of Social Enterprise UK and Co‑operatives UK able to save nearly 50% compared to full-price tickets.
