Social Enterprise Kent (SEK), which has a hub in Margate and runs a social supermarket in Ramsgate, has won the Education, Training and Jobs Social Enterprise of the Year award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2025.
Hosted by Social Enterprise UK at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, the ceremony brought together social enterprises from across the UK for a “Festival of Hope” recognising the innovators, community builders and changemakers shaping a brighter, fairer future.
With more than 100,000 social enterprises operating nationally, competition was fierce across 15 categories.
SEK’s win was recognition of its exceptional contribution to improving education, training and employment outcomes for people and communities across Kent and Medway.
Achievements
SEK, established in 1985, supports thousands of residents annually through accredited training, employability support, sector development and community-led initiatives.
This year’s achievements include supporting people furthest from the labour market through personalised employability programmes, including Empowering Communities and Thanet Job Club
SEK has delivered 627 accredited courses to 2,714 learners, launched its AI Skills Accelerator, hosted training for voluntary, community and social enterprise staff and delivered NHS-funded Cost of Living support to 2,455 people, including 451 workshops and essential household support.
It has also partnered with Sodexo to deliver free training to 55 SMEs and VCSE organisations.#
Rebecca Smith CEO Social Enterprise Kent said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this national award. But above all, this recognition belongs to our communities – the residents who trust us, the partners who collaborate with us, and the dedicated staff and volunteers who show up every day with compassion and belief in the power of community.
“We’re honoured to continue shaping a better tomorrow for the people of Kent.”
Peter Holbrook CBE, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, added: “It was heartening to celebrate businesses built on care and compassion, supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities and representing Britain at its best.”
