Steve Holmes was given the Special Star Award at the Social Enterprise West Midlands (SEWM)-backed event in front of more than 150 people.
The Business Community Manager impressed judges with his commitment to social enterprise and how he has embedded it into the fabric of HMP Stoke Heath in the West Midlands.
He has also played a pivotal role in exploring training and job opportunities for offenders after their release, a piece of work that has been shared across other public prisons in the West Midlands.
Melanie Mills, Chief Executive of SEWM, commented: “Our sector is experiencing significant growth and is increasingly being viewed as an important economic driver…it is only right that we recognise the organisations, enterprises and individuals that are making it happen.
“Guests heard stories of expansion, innovation, passion, community spirit, employee development and outstanding business performance from our twelve winners.”
She went on to add: “Steve is a fantastic role model for the justice sector. His innovative approach to forging new partnerships with social enterprises, who are more likely to want to work with ex-offenders than traditional business, has brought new opportunities for offenders to gain support, skills and jobs.”
Sponsored by Mears Group, the evening’s other winners included:
• Blu Rocket Design (SE Partner) – Design agency with a strong pro-bone mentality
• Class Careers (SE Passion) – Connecting young people with enhanced education and early stage career opportunities
• Cllr Faye Abbott (SE Inspire) – Coventry City Council’s Portfolio Holder has been driving its journey to become a social enterprise city
• Creative Alliance (SE Profit) – A leading provider of learning opportunities for young people getting into the creative sector
• Elizabeth Barker (SE Professional) – Devised specialist support package for RBS Flying Project
• John Taylor Hospice (SE Prima) – A provider of palliative care in Birmingham City Centre for more than 100 years
• Lingo Links (SE People) – Providing translation services to marginalised communities to reduce isolation
• Mindful Gifts (SE Potential) – Start-up providing appropriate gifts and activities for dementia sufferers
• REPC (SE Planet) – Helping local and national customers safely dispose of and recycle unwanted IT equipment and furniture
• Sandwell Community Caring Trust’s Geoff Walker (SE Aspire) – Secured £4.2m funding package to build new care home facilities
The final award on the evening went to the Signing Tree Conference Centre for its Social Saturday promotional video that has become a viral sensation.
Steve Holmes commented: “I’m delighted to be recognised at the SE Awards, not least because it means we have achieved some of our objectives and started to make a real difference to giving offenders the opportunity to complete their rehabilitation.”
PJ Butler, the Deputy Governor at Stoke Heath and lead for social enterprise, concluded: “This accolade acknowledges that the Prison Service has broken down its walls and fences to engage with socially minded business people to help us reduce reoffending. We do this by providing real training and employment opportunities for offenders who have so much to offer our communities in custody and on release.
“We dedicate this award to all of our offenders who work with our social enterprise partners. Together we have been making a huge difference to lives by giving them opportunities to turn away from their former criminal activities.”
Social Enterprise West Midlands is the leading business network and consultancy for social enterprise in the region.
The membership-led organisation offers access to expert consultancy, advice and guidance, as well as a series of event and workshops designed to educate, inform and promote a sector that is worth more than £35m locally.
It also offers event management support and was instrumental – with its parent company The Aspire Group – in the launch of www.buysocialdirectory.org.uk, the UK’s first social business directory.
The SE Awards were backed by a host of sponsors, including Adullam Homes, Amey, Anthony Collins Solicitors, Aspire Group, DiSE, Enterprise Foundation, Lister Trade Frames, PwC, Sustainability West Midlands and UnLtd.