A record number of entries poured in for the Social Business Wales Awards 2025, with twenty outstanding businesses from South Wales now announced as finalists. The awards, which celebrate the power of social enterprises to create positive change, received an unprecedented 101 submissions following a six-week publicity push.
Glenn Bowen, Director of Enterprise at Cwmpas, praised the finalists, stating that the quality and quantity of entries demonstrate the “depth, breadth, and diversity of the social enterprise sector in Wales.”
The finalists represent a diverse range of social enterprises tackling critical issues, from mental health and social justice to environmental sustainability and community support. Here’s a look at some of the incredible businesses leading the way in their respective categories.
Category 1: The One to Watch Award
This category highlights innovative start-ups making a big impact in their first two years. Our Voice Our Journey(Caerphilly) empowers young people facing marginalisation, while Greenspace SOS (Bridgend) provides free garden rescue services for vulnerable families. Impact Wellbeing Solutions Ltd (Port Talbot) focuses on school workshops that build resilience, and Cegin y Bobl (Carmarthenshire) also made the final list.
Category 2: Social Enterprise Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by Atkins Realis, this award recognizes businesses with fresh, new approaches to social and environmental issues. Holistic Hoarding (Cardiff) addresses the complex needs of individuals struggling with hoarding. Mothers Matter (Tonypandy) offers trauma-informed care for new parents and Tanio’s ‘Connecting Carers’ project provides vital wellbeing workshops for unpaid carers in Bridgend.
Category 3: Prove it: The Social Impact Award
These enterprises demonstrate their impact through clear data, stories, and outcomes. The Baxter Project (Cardiff), part of Therapeutic Activities Group CIC, uses specially trained dogs to deliver trauma-informed sessions in schools. Elite Clothing Solutions (Pontyclun) proudly employs a workforce where over 45% are disabled or disadvantaged. Down to Earth (Swansea) creates homes and schools using natural materials, while Role Play Lane (Pontypridd) offers inclusive play spaces that foster community.
Category 4: Environmental Social Enterprise of the Year
This category celebrates businesses with a core mission to tackle environmental issues. Groundwork Wales (Blackwood) works to conserve local environments and divert waste from landfill in disadvantaged communities.
Category 5: Social Enterprise Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice
Sponsored by the Co-op, this award highlights businesses actively championing social justice. More Than Flags and Rainbows (MTFAR) in Cardiff works to make Welsh education more inclusive and tackle bullying. Assadaqaat Community Finance (Cardiff) provides interest-free finance and support to those traditionally excluded from mainstream banking.
Category 6: Social Enterprise Women’s Champion of the Year
This category celebrates female leadership and impact. Finalists include:
- Helen Davies, founder of Sunflower Lounge (Neath), which supports care-experienced young people.
- Hannah Evans, director of Qualia Law CIC (Cardiff), which provides legal services to vulnerable individuals.
- Kelly Farr, who leads the Female Veterans’ Alliance (Ebbw Vale), offering wellbeing retreats for women who have served in the UK Armed Forces.
Category 7: Community-based Social Enterprise of the Year
Sponsored by UWTSD, this award goes to enterprises with a high local impact. The Fern Partnership (Rhondda and Cynon Valleys) provides nurturing childcare facilities. Choirs For Good runs community choirs across Wales to improve wellbeing through singing. Elysium Gallery (Swansea) offers free workshops for low-income and culturally marginalised communities, while Menter y Plu, which runs the historic Y Plu pub in Llanystumdwy, Gwynedd, is also a finalist.
Category 8: Social Enterprise of the Year Award
Sponsored by Transport for Wales, this top award celebrates the highest-performing social enterprises. Platfform(Swansea) provides mental health and community services through a co-created, bespoke approach. Other finalists in this category include GISDA (Gwynedd), Down to Earth (Swansea) and The Fern Partnership (Valleys).
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