2023 Consumer Facing Award - Voting Now Open!

We are delighted to reveal the list of nominees in the Consumer Facing Award Category for this year’s NI Social Enterprise Awards 2023. After the success of last year, the Consumer Facing Award is now open for public vote again, to let YOU decide who the 2023 winner should be.

The Consumer Facing Award celebrates a social enterprise that produces or delivers a retail product or service through a brand that is recognised by consumers.

The following eight social enterprises are up for nomination - you can view and vote for your favourite below.

Voting closes on Wednesday 6th September at midnight. Best of luck to all nominees!

2023 Consumer Facing Award Nominees

• Ability Cafe (USEL)

• Bryson Energy Play Resource

• Carnglen Credit Union

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore

• High Rise

• Lunchbox Cafe (AEL)

• Naturally North Coast & Glens CIC

• The Designerie

Bryson Energy Play Resource

Bryson Energy Play Resource has been in operation for 39 years and is one of the largest and most well used resource centres in the UK. They collect non-toxic waste materials from industry & redistribute them for free to over 2,500 groups and organisations working with children, young people, and community groups all over Northern Ireland. Their services benefit

more than 300,00 people each year.

Carnglen Credit Union

Carnglen Credit Union has been providing financial services to local people for over 50 years. Their social mission is to promote thrift among members and to educate them in the wise use of money to strengthen members’ overall financial security and improve their standard of living as well as to serve all our members well by exceeding their expectations and to make our services available to our members.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Habitat ReStores serve the local community from 5 physical, customer-facing locations; Lisburn, Ballymena, Belfast, Newry and Newtownards. Each store has a small, core staff team and is supported by dedicated volunteers who are deeply committed to Habitat’s mission. Their mission is

to deliver for people, the wider community

and the planet, being consumer focused

is at the heart of what they do.

High Rise

High Rise adventure centre is the newest Social Enterprise business of Employers For Childcare Trading Limited. Located in Lisburn, the exciting new indoor adventure centre offers lots of fun activities for all ages. The 10,000 square foot, purpose-built centre has been designed to be inclusive and

accessible to guests with additional needs.

Lunchbox Cafe

Founded by social enterprise Access Employment Limited, Lunchbox Café is a 5 star, on-site café, located in the Larne Community Hub. All profits go back into the business, and they grow seasonal produce in polytunnels and allotments to prepare and provide customers with fresh, delicious meals. Trainees from AEL employment programmes

play an important role in the café as they gain experience and qualifications along the way.

Naturally North Coast & Glens CIC

Naturally North Coast and Glens is an award winning social enterprise that brings artisans together to support their businesses and showcase their products in a unique and supportive market setting. They bring the community together through events that are both fun and educational, with a focus on the local area.

The Designerie

The Designerie is a shop, creative hub, workshop, and community destination, selling handmade products from Northern Ireland and Ireland. Founded by Enterprise Causeway in 2015. Its core purpose is to grow the creative industry and promote creativity within the community, using it to build relationships and connect people.

Ability Cafe by USEL

Usel is the largest provider of disability employment support in NI. Established in 1962, Usel's mission is to ensure disabled people succeed in the workplace. One of their social enterprises, Ability Cafe started in 2018 and has successfully grown to five locations within five years. Today, Ability Cafe employs more than 70 people with more than 70% of employees having a disability or have a long-term health condition. Usel deliver a range of pre-employment and employment programmes.

Vote for your favourite here:

Consumer Facing Award 2023 sponsored by:

Terms & Conditions

• The Online voting period is from Wednesday 30th August at 10am to Wednesday 6th September at midnight.

• There is a limit of one vote per IP address.

• You can use the Finalist Logo in any graphic and distribute the attached QR code to any of your followers, customers, family etc.

• Paid promotions on social media platforms are NOT allowed.

• At the end of the voting period (6th September) the Nominee who received the greatest number of online votes will win the Consumer Facing Award 2023 which will be revealed at the awards on Friday 27th October 2023.

• Don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts @socentni and use our official events hashtag #SocEntNIAwards23