Santander

Santander Social Enterprise Award

In September 2012 we were awarded £30000 by Santander UK, the UK subsidiary the Spanish Bank Santander.

The Santander award will allow us to appoint a new marketing manager who will promote Pedal Power and run its social media channels. It will also go towards hiring a part-time development officer who will be responsible for creating and securing new business opportunities for the enterprise.

The Awards are part of Santander’s commitment to supporting small businesses in the UK. Social enterprises play a vital role in local communities by helping to deliver social regeneration and the SEDA scheme aims to help those with potential to expand their work.

Alongside the prize money, we will receive access to support from Santander including mentoring programmes, funding for internships and university business courses and training.

We will also receive valuable input from the Community Foundation in Wales which will work with us to assess the social impact of their business and the effect the award will have on local communities. This should enable us to make more effective grant applications in future.

Andrew Woodgate, Relationship Director, Santander, said: “The Social Enterprise Development Awards were set up to help social enterprises looking to expand, and at the same time support economic development in the region. Pedal Power is run by passionate individuals who ensure that the highest levels of care and opportunities are offered to those taking part in their supported cycling activities. They have an impressive business model and we’re looking forward to seeing them grow further.”

Sybil commented: “Our goals for next year are ambitious but achievable and the award will enable us to take a giant step towards success. Through expansion and greater public awareness, we aim to encourage more people to take advantage of the scheme and the benefits available to them.”

The posts will be advertised in the near future.

More About the Award

As part of Santander’s national Social Enterprise Development Awards, there were a further seven awards given to Welsh social enterprises. Alongside Pedal Power, Down to Earth and Ten Green Bottles both won £30,000 awards. DangerPoint and Green Valleys CIC received a £50,000 award whilst E-Inclusion Recycling LTD, Reseiclo Community Wood Recycling and BRfm LTD all received £15,000 awards.

To see if your social enterprise might qualify go to the Awards website.