Wigan Borough’s commitment to the growth and success of social enterprises has been officially recognised. Wigan was awarded Social Enterprise Places status earlier this year thanks to the work of the borough’s social entrepreneurs and community-focused businesses. The status, given to Wigan by Social Enterprise UK, acknowledges the borough’s commitment to supporting and growing social enterprise activity.   

Wigan is now part of a network of 32 Social Enterprise Places nationwide and is the second borough in Greater Manchester to achieve the status, following Salford. The recognition will allow social enterprises from Wigan the opportunity to share skills, experiences and network with like-minded organisations across the country.  There are thought to currently be approximately 650 social enterprises in Wigan borough.  

A stakeholder group including Umbrella Arts, based on Bradshawgate in Leigh, Wigan Workshop on Meyrick Street, Abram Community Cooperative as well as Wigan Council and private businesses, plan to use the status to encourage residents and commercial businesses from across the borough to buy ‘social’ from local social enterprises. 

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