Social enterprise is a vital part of Cumbria's economy, creating ethical opportunities to the benefit of the wider community.

The important role these organisations play in a thriving, vibrant county is well and truly recognised by in-Cumbria's 2017 Business Awards with a category dedicated to the Best Social Enterprise.

Again this category is being sponsored by the University of Cumbria, itself a registered charity, which has an established record of supporting social enterprises across the county.

Last year's winner was the Carlisle United Community Sports Trust which picked up the Social Enterprise honour for its work in reaching out to a broad spectrum in the community.

Taking the award on behalf of the Trust, John Halpin, said: “It's fantastic for the whole football club and the Trust staff. Everybody works together for the good of the community. That's what this football club is all about, it's the hub of the coimmunity.”

The University of Cumbria has 1,000 student volunteers working in social enterprises, charities and other community settings and is also training social enterprise leaders under its Aspiring Leaders Programme (ALP).

The programme was created in 2011 to develop leqadership potential in local communities in partnership with the Lake District-based Brathay Trust, a youth charity founded in 1946 by Francis C. Scott and the Common Purpose leadership development charity

Recently the university secured Small Business Charter status, providing a link between regional businesses and students while they are studying.

Bill McGowan, CN Group's marketing director, explained why this category was so important in this year's in-cumbria awards.

“We at CN believe that when you are running a business awards event in the modern era it is important to recognise people involved in social enterprise,” he said.

“These businesses are a dynamic and vibrant new area of industry which are important for the prosperity of the local economy.

“They provide a tangible benefit to local communities and are involved in helping people directly enabling them to achieve things they wouldn't otherwise be able to do.”

Mr McGowan added: “It is important to have a dedicated category to recognise these enterprises and we are delighted to be able to facilitate this.”

The awards will be presented by the BBC's media editor Amol Rajan, a former editor of The Independent, at an evening of celebration at the Halston Hotel in Carlisle on November 9.

The judges will look for a social enterprise which can prove evidence that it has:

Entries have already opened for the awards which will see 15 categories available to businesses and individuals with a distinguished panel of judges from the world of Cumbrian business assessing the entries.

To enter go to www.in-cumbria.com/awards .