Co-operatives shine in UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026 shortlist

This year, the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026 are co‑produced by Social Enterprise UK and Co‑operatives UK, recognising the vital role co‑operatives play in shaping a fairer, more inclusive economy.

Across 15 categories, the shortlist reflects the strength, diversity, resilience and innovation of the social enterprise and co‑operative movement. And 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.

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, said: "Businesses usually only make headlines when they've been behaving badly or announcing huge profits, 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:

"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."

Co‑operatives lead the way

The six co‑operatives shortlisted for the inaugural Co‑op of the Year award:

• Signalise Co‑op
• The Channel Islands Co‑operative Society Limited
• 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).

Get your tickets

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.

A venue fit for purpose

The winners 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.

New Century Hall was originally the headquarters of the Co‑operative Wholesale Society, a collective of around 300 co‑operatives. Its roots can be traced back to the Rochdale Pioneers, the working people who, in 1844, opened a store based on fairness, democracy and shared benefit – principles that went on to inspire co‑operatives around the world and laid the foundations for the modern co‑operative movement.

During the 1960s, the hall hosted concerts by Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, and was also a mainstay party venue during the city's 'Madchester' era. It's a venue steeped in the spirit of community and creativity, making it the perfect place to celebrate this year's finalists.

All together now

The theme of this year's Awards is 'All Together Now', capturing the spirit of unity and co‑operation that sits at the heart of the social enterprise and co‑operative movement. Following on from last year's 'Festival of Hope' – where winners included Social Enterprise of the Year Change Please, a coffee company using profits to tackle homelessness, and One to Watch winners EcoCoach CIC – this year's shortlist shows the movement continuing to grow in strength and ambition.

This year's finalists will be celebrated in person at the ceremony in Manchester. Tickets are on sale now.