West Midlands social enterprises shine in national awards shortlist
29th September 2026
The West Midlands has always been home to social enterprises doing remarkable things, and this year, three of them are getting the national recognition they deserve. Social Enterprise UK has announced the shortlist for the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026, celebrating some of the most inspiring social enterprises in the country, and we’re delighted to see our region so well represented. Three of this year’s finalists are based right here in the West Midlands, and we wanted to take a moment to shine a light on them and the people behind them.
Winners will be announced on 12 November in Manchester, at an event co-produced by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK. Whatever happens on the night, simply being shortlisted is a real achievement, and a reminder of the calibre of social enterprise talent coming out of the West Midlands.
Hope 4 The Community: Social Enterprise Technology or Innovation of the Year
Hope 4 The Community CIC (H4C), based in Coventry, is a digital health provider that helps people living with long-term conditions, and the unpaid carers who support them, take more control of their health and wellbeing. Its evidence-based Hope Programme has now reached more than 36,000 people, and its Powered by H4C platform helps other organisations quickly develop and test their own digital health and wellbeing tools.
This is the third time H4C has made the shortlist for a UK Social Enterprise Award. In 2024, the organisation won the Tech for Good category, bringing the trophy home to Coventry and the West Midlands.
“We’re incredibly proud to be shortlisted for Social Enterprise Technology Innovation of the Year,” said Gabriela Matouskova of H4C. “Who knows, perhaps we can bring another one home this year. Whatever happens, it’s fantastic to see social enterprises from across the West Midlands represented nationally, and huge congratulations to all this year’s finalists.”
You can read more about H4C’s shortlisting on their site: h4c.org.uk
Standing Tall: UK Social Enterprise of the Year
Standing Tall supports and matches talented people who have experienced homelessness into stable jobs and safe homes, helping them leave the streets for good. Its employer partners include Lidl, Network Rail and Barclays, and the organisation now works across nine cities, though it all started right here in Birmingham.
“I’m super proud that Standing Tall has been shortlisted for UK Social Enterprise of the Year,” said founder Christy Acton BEM. “Looking forward to the 12th of November!”
You can find out more about Standing Tall’s work at standingtall.org.uk.
Lucy Hebberts, GINA: Social Enterprise Women’s Champion of the Year
Lucy Hebberts leads GINA, a Birmingham-based, women-focused social enterprise supporting women who have experienced sexual harassment, violence and abuse. GINA provides immediate specialist counselling alongside bespoke resources, products, volunteering and other opportunities for women, and its work is rooted in lived experience.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award,” said Lucy. “It means so much to have the work of GINA and the women we support recognised. More than anything, we hope this recognition helps us reach more women, challenge the barriers they face, and continue building a world where no woman has to navigate the impact of sexual violence and abuse without the support they deserve.”
You can find out more about GINA’s work at gina.uk.com.
Celebrating West Midlands social enterprise
It’s brilliant to see this kind of talent and impact from our region recognised on a national stage. From all of us at BSSEC, congratulations to Hope 4 The Community, Standing Tall and Lucy Hebberts at GINA, and good luck for the ceremony on 12 November.