Croydon became the first London borough to receive social enterprise status. Pic: Croydon Council

National campaign body Social Enterprise UK has awarded Croydon social enterprise status for its many businesses trading for social and environmental purposes.

This is the first time a borough in London is awarded the recognition. Currently, eleven towns and cities across the country have achieved social enterprise status.

Peter Holbrook, CEO of Social Enterprise UK, said: “Croydon social enterprises are dynamic and showing strong growth – we need to continue to support the sector by buying from social enterprises across Croydon.”

The award is a recognition of the number of businesses in Croydon that reinvest their profits in making a difference by tackling social issues to improve communities and the environment.

Croydon has more than 120 registered social enterprise businesses, including Beanies café and crèche, MyOutSpace, Caysh, Mum’s the Chef, and PJs community services.

Yuliana Topazly, director of MyOutSpace, a Croydon business centre supporting women entrepreneurs, says the recognition is “great news” and that it will “help to bridge the gap between local authorities and community-based enterprises in Croydon.”

Councillor Toni Letts, cabinet member for economic development, said they “are delighted to be awarded social enterprise place status” and adds that the award is recognition of the council’s determination to grow social enterprise community in Hackney.

A launch event was held on May 28 in the Community Space at Bernard Weatherill House in Croydon.