SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR – BELFAST BUSINESS AWARDS

The Belfast Chamber Belfast Business Awards are a celebration of the positive work of businesses across Belfast. Attended by over 400 individuals, there were 22 categories, ranging from retail, hospitality, digital marketing, sustainability, family-owned and individual awards.

The Ortus Group was honoured with the Social Enterprise of the Year accolade from a competitive shortlist of leading Social Enterprises. The company was highlighted for its commitment to social and economic regeneration in Belfast and the opportunities it gives local businesses through its diverse range of business support programmes and complementary business services; including FLEX Language Services and Ortus Property Services. The passion of the team was also highlighted as a core reason it was recognised in this category

The Ortus Group was set up to encourage new economic activity within the Falls/Shankill interface area of Belfast. This year celebrating 30 years since company origins, Ortus is the largest enterprise agency in Northern Ireland and, through a range of innovative programmes, have successfully assisted hundreds of SMEs. Consisting of 6 enterprises including brand new Roar And Explore Soft Play, all profits are invested back into the group for social and economic regeneration purposes and the group receives no external funding.

Seamus O’Prey, CEO The Ortus Group commented:

“We are absolutely delighted as a team to be named as Social Enterprise of the Year at the Belfast Business Awards particularly in our 30th year of business. At Ortus our social giving is central to our ethos achieved through initiatives such as direct donations to local community and voluntary organisations, working in partnership with local influential groups, educational bursaries and community and charity events. Annually we assist more than 400 individuals with their businesses across our programmes including £40,000 worth of free business support and mentoring to local SMEs. We are also innovating and enterprising in all we do. In 2017 we launched social enterprise – Roar and Explore Soft Play at Dairy Farm Shopping Centre with several additional projects planned for 2018 focussed on growing the business but also local employment opportunities and social impact.

What is central to our success as a business though is our strength as a team. We have a passionate, loyal and experienced team, with a drive to succeed and commitment to our social ethos. The dedicated team of managers lead our team to develop new business ideas to grow Ortus as a company. This accolade is a reflection of our hard work as a group.”

Roar and Explore were also named as a finalist in the tough Best Newcomer category and Business Advisor Margaret McCabe a finalist in the Business Mentor of the Year category.