On Thursday 21st October Centre 151 – VLC was proud to be one of the first 15 Social Enterprises to receive the new Pioneering Social Enterprise in Hackney Mark. Certificates were awarded by Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney at the launch event organised by Hackney Co-operative Developments and hosted by UBS at their new offices in Broadgate.

The Pioneering Social Enterprise Mark recognises that Centre 151 – VLC are a genuine social enterprise that qualify against strict criteria of community-ownership, operation for social benefit, democratic control by Hackney communities, solvency and investment of profit into social objectives. The mark will provide a quality assurance to customers – helping inform ethical decisions around spend, and will promote awareness of the significant benefits that social enterprises bring to the Borough of Hackney.

The Pioneering Social Enterprise in Hackney Mark has been created by Hackney Co-operative Developments, who also provide a support programme to social enterprises across the borough, thanks to funding from UBS. The aim of both the mark and the support packages are to grow the social economy in the borough. The launch of the mark is also part of wider work Hackney Co-operative Developments is leading, with Hackney Council, Social Enterprise UK and the Mark holders to have Hackney recognised as inner-London’s first ‘Social Enterprise Borough’.

“Hackney is a borough that leads the way in social enterprise, it is part of the fabric of our community resilience against many pressures of change and uncertainly. People of Hackney really identify themselves with the borough and seek opportunities to contribute to its strength. Trading with local social enterprises is a powerful way to do this. The 15 businesses that were recognized in today’s awards are true social enterprise pioneers that support Hackney to flourish and I am proud to be working with them.” Dominic Ellison, CEO, Hackney Co-operative Developments

Hackney to flourish and I am proud to be working with them.” Dominic Ellison, CEO, Hackney Co-operative Developments Hackney to flourish and I am proud to be working with them.” Dominic Ellison, CEO, Hackney Co-operative Developments

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney and Pierre Palluet, Centre 151-VLC Manager at the launch event

The first 15 Social Enterprises to receive the new Pioneering Social Enterprise in Hackney Mark

More information on Hackney Co-operative Developments:

Hackney Co-operative Developments, itself a social enterprise, has engaged in Community Economic Development projects in Hackney for over 30 years and in particular the support and development of new co-operatives and social enterprises. Aside from social enterprise development, HCD helps over 80 local businesses, community organisations, cultural institutions and shops remain in Dalston through its role as a supportive provider of affordable workspace; provides packages of free training and support for Hackney residents who are furthest from employment; and manages a diary of community and cultural activities in Gillett Square. Hackney Co-operative Developments were honoured at the Mayor of Hackney Business Awards early this year when they were presented with the Hackney Business Charter Award for Best Overall Contribution to the Borough.