Individuals who contributed to the social enterprise sector have been awarded honorary fellowships by Social Enterprise UK.
The organisation launched the Fellowship Programme in 2017 to mark its 15th anniversary. The list features well-known figures who have made important contributions to building the social enterprise movement in the UK and around the world and also those who are inspiring and driving the future success of the sector.
The initial Honorary Social Enterprise UK Fellows are:
- Lord John Bird MBE & Nigel Kershaw OBE
- Kelly Davies
- Lindsey Hall & Matt Little
- Clive Hirst
- Gerry Higgins
- Mariana Mazzucato
- John McMullan
- Professor Jo Pritchard MBE
- Gina Rowlands
- Fay Selvan & Edna Robinson
- Mark Sesnan
- Liz Tapner
- Sophi Tranchell
- Guy Turnbull & Margaret Elliott OBE
- Muhammad Yunus
Each year Social Enterprise UK will announce new honorary fellows who will be added to this list.
Peter Holbrook, chief executive at Social Enterprise UK, said: “The last 15 years have seen the UK social enterprise sector grow, evolve and increase its impact and visibility considerably. Many thousands of people have contributed to this success.
“The contributions of our fellows have helped create and shape a sector that exudes hope and humanity. It is business at its very best. Our fellows have helped in lifting millions out of poverty through microfinance, transformed their respective industries from social care to cocoa farming or grown local networks of social enterprises – helping revitalise their communities.
“The fellowship also recognises figures who have used their academic prowess to make the economic case for social enterprise.
“Every one of our fellows has contributed hugely to building a fairer, more equal and sustainable world. With the economic, social and political challenges ahead their work has never been more valuable.”
Across the country there are over 70,000 social enterprises, and the sector is a key part of the UK economy, contributing £24bn and employing nearly a million people.
