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Social Enterprise, Chocolate Films has been awarded a Royal Warrant by King Charles III for Video Production Services. Chocolate Films is currently the only video production company of its kind to hold a Royal Warrant. The warrant is in recognition of over a decade of service to the Royal Household and Royal Collection Trust. Video production company and social enterprise Chocolate Films, is proud to announce that it has been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty King Charles III. This highly prestigious endorsement recognises Chocolate Films for its service to the Royal Household and Royal Collection Trust. Since its first commission in 2013, Chocolate Films has produced a diverse range of content for the Royal Household and Royal Collection Trust, working from its London and Glasgow offices. The Royal Warrant is granted to companies that have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for at least five years and continue to uphold the highest standards of sustainability, quality and reliability. This appointment is not only a significant achievement for Chocolate Films as a creative agency, but also as a social enterprise. The company reinvests its profits into community filmmaking programmes across the UK, working with young people, underrepresented voices, and those with limited access to the creative industries. “This is a landmark moment for us. As a small business and a social enterprise we are beyond proud to be honoured in this way.” said Mark Currie, Director and Co-Founder of Chocolate Films. “It’s a testament to the creativity and commitment of our team, and to our unique approach to film production — combining storytelling, craftsmanship and a strong social mission.” Chocolate Films joins a distinguished group of Royal Warrant holders, including heritage British brands such as Fortnum & Mason, Barbour, and Twinings. It also shares the honour with luxury chocolate companies such as Prestat and Bendicks — a sweet alignment for a company named ‘Chocolate Films’. As a new member of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, Chocolate Films also looks forward to actively supporting the association’s charitable initiatives and promoting excellence and community service across its industry. About Chocolate Films Chocolate Films was founded in 2001 by creative partners Rachel Wang and Mark Currie, Chocolate Films was built on a belief that access to media careers should not be limited to the few. Its mission is to transform lives through film. Starting as a two-person team, the company has grown to a full-time staff of 22. It now delivers a wide range of content including documentaries, campaign films, animations and branded content across sectors such as heritage, education, and charity. Chocolate Films has two bases: the London HQ at the purpose-built Nine Elms Studio, and the Scottish office in Central Glasgow. As a social enterprise, Chocolate Films goes beyond production. Every year, it runs filmmaking workshops with over 3,000 young people from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, opening doors to creative careers and helping shape the next generation of storytellers. In 2025 Chocolate Films relaunches its flagship project 1000Londoners, creating a portrait of a city through a collection of 1000 short documentaries about the people that live and work in the city. It is also a certified Living Wage Employer, committed to equality, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Chocolate Films operates a net zero model, using electric vehicles, low-carbon equipment, and sustainable energy sources. It maintains a no air travel policy unless absolutely necessary, and works with local crews for international projects. chocolatefilms.com

The north Liverpool-based cooperative social enterprise is continuing its laundry adventure, delivering more positive social impact with new sustainable growth plans. Kitty’s Launderette plans to grow the scale and impact of its work across the Liverpool city region. It plans to purchase an electric delivery van and charge point, as well as install a solar panel array on the roof. This will enable them to reach more customers and increase the long term environmental sustainability of the community business. To do so, they have launched a fundraising campaign on Crowdfunder UK, with a plan to raise £20,000 by 30th July. The launderette, based in Anfield/Everton offers good quality, affordable and environmental laundry services, as well as an accessible social space. Alongside becoming a thriving community hub, its work tackles social isolation and hygiene poverty with a programme that includes film nights, knitting groups, social history projects and subsidised laundry services for people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Supporters can choose from a range of rewards made by local artists and craftspeople, including recycled textile tote bags, natural soaps, postcards and enamel pin badges. There are also opportunities to hire the launderette for an event, or name a solar panel on its roof. Kitty’s Launderette was established in 2019 by a group of local residents to support their communityand invests everything it makes back into local jobs paying the Real Living Wage, quality services andfree social and educational events. It has survived the pandemic within their first year, and growninto a thriving community hub. In 2023 Kitty’s won the Community-Based Social Enterprise Awardfrom Social Enterprise UK, at the national sector body awards, which recognise impact andinnovation in purpose-led business. An independent Social Impact Report conducted in 2024, found that for every £1 spent or investedinto Kitty’s Launderette, they turn this into £43 of Social Value for their community. Grace Harrison, Organisational Development Lead at Kitty’s, says: “Kitty's Launderette has only gotthis far through the amazing support of people near and far who have believed in us and our vision.“ When Kitty’s Launderette launched its first crowdfunder back in 2018, it received massive interest and support – from Anfield to Canada, and was featured on the BBC, The Independent, The Guardian and Elle Magazine. Its 366 backers on the platform Kickstarter, included eight people who chose to name washing machines after loved ones. The plaques, proudly named after Granny Trixie, Dominic Magurie and Phyllis, can still be seen on the machines in Kitty’s today. Grace says “We were bowled over by the excitement and trust people put in us to deliver on our commitment to building a community launderette! We are so proud to say we achieved our dream with the support of our community. We really wanted to invite everyone to be part of this next stage of our development and so when people see our amazing new lecky van driving around town they can know they played a role in making that happen!“ It is the launderette’s experience of community need, shaped over the last six years, that has driven this new investment in environmentally-sustainable growth. Anthony Scott, Community Lead at Kitty’s said: “We have been working towards plans for a delivery service for some time. We established a temporary delivery service during the Covid-19 pandemic to support residents who were shielding at home in partnership with another local social enterprise, Peloton, using their cargo bikes. Recently, we have been running a commercial delivery service pilot with a local cab driver. We Know there is lots of interest in us establishing a permanent service with lots of capacity for responding to the changing needs of our community." Kitty’s has been committed to being an environmentally conscious business from the start. All of its machines are electric, powered by 100% renewable electricity. The plans for an electric van, powered by solar panels, enables Kitty’s to continue to grow, while minimising the impact on the environment and reducing localised emissions. In 2023, Kitty’s won the Community-Based Social Enterprise Award at the Social Enterprise UK Awards, receiving national recognition for the role it plays in its community. The awards recognise impact and innovation in purpose-led business. The campaign features a beautiful animated film from local artists Laura Spark and Jack Whiteley. To find out more about the campaign and take part, head to https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/kittys-laundry-deliveries. https://vimeo.com/1094783968?fl=pl&fe=sh kittyslaundrette.org.uk

Based in Oxford, Tap Social Movement are on a mission to reduce reoffending through employment in brewing, baking and running hospitality venues. To date across its five sites, they have created more than 100,000 hours of paid meaningful employment for prison-leavers, with 30% of their hospitality and production teams having lived experience of the UK criminal justice system. To achieve more of this great impact, last week Tap Social launched a Crowdcube investment campaign. This is the first time they've opened the company up to investment from the public; as well as shares, there are rewards offered for investments. They are in the midst of an exciting growth stage that includes wider distribution of their beers across the UK through national retail, the launch of an ambitious, purpose-built new venue (with plans for more in the coming years), extensive expansion of their bakery Proof Social Bakehouse, and much more. The campaign runs until 30 July. Please visit the campaign page if you think you can find a space to share this, or might be interested in investing. VISIT THE CAMPAIGN PAGE

Impact Hub Yorkshire celebrated a milestone five years of empowering individuals, communities, and businesses across the region with a special gala dinner at Bradford Live on 12th June. Nearly 300 guests and dignitaries gathered for the occasion, which also marked a significant moment for the city — the first event to be held in the newly restored Bradford Live ballroom since 2000.  The milestone comes shortly after His Majesty The King visited the organisation’s headquarters in Bradford’s Little Germany, where he met with social entrepreneurs and community leaders supported by the Impact Hub. The visit also marked the formal transition from Impact Hub Bradford to Impact Hub Yorkshire, reflecting the organisation’s ambition to scale and support communities and projects across the region.  Founded in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, Impact Hub Yorkshire emerged as a catalyst for driving innovation and positive change. Since then, it has supported over 1,000 individuals and businesses. From developing accessible funding models to leading regeneration projects, empowering young people, and championing inclusive economic growth in underserved communities, its work continues to create meaningful impact across the region.  The gala dinner at Bradford Live brought together community members, project partners, and supporters from across Yorkshire. It is also the first formal evening event to be held in the newly restored ballroom, making it a symbolic location for an organisation rooted in the regeneration of Bradford and committed to shaping the region’s future.  Kamran Rashid, CEO and founder of Impact Hub Yorkshire, said: Five years ago, we made the bold decision to launch Impact Hub in the middle of a pandemic, during a period of global uncertainty and personal change. What began as Impact Hub Bradford has grown into something far bigger – because we believed, and still believe, that meaningful change begins with community.   “Expanding to a Yorkshire-wide remit marks an important shift. It speaks to our belief that every community across this region deserves access to opportunity, investment, and space to lead. We’ve been privileged to work alongside some incredible partners over the years, and I’m deeply grateful to our sponsors and to Bradford Live for helping us mark this milestone in such a special way.”  Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a three-course meal, networking, and talks and panel discussions from Kamran Rashid, Imran Hussain MP, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, and Kersten England CBE – Chair of Bradford City of Culture 2025. Sponsors included Bradford Live, Bradford UK City of Culture, the Broadway Shopping centre, Mylahore British Asian Kitchen, Biscayne Maintenance Services, Faum Architecture, Schofield Sweeney, and Jinnah Restaurants. With their support, the Impact Hub was able to host the evening for over 270 guests.   Impact Hub Yorkshire continues to support a wide range of projects, including partnerships with organisations such as Green Street, Pandora’s Box Desserts, the African Caribbean Achievement Project, and the Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy.  Kamran concluded: “As we step into this next chapter, our commitment remains the same: to build a movement grounded in equity, shaped by collaboration, and driven by the people and places we serve.”

GLL has been appointed by City of Lincoln Council as the interim operator for Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres. This follows the immediate closure of both centres after the previous operator ceased trading on 3 April 2025.  GLL will manage the indoor and outdoor facilities at both leisure centres for an interim period of two years, ensuring the rapid restoration of vital leisure services for Lincoln residents. GLL is now working with the council to prepare both centres for reopening this summer.   Chris Hebblewhite, Director of Standards and Compliance at GLL said: "We look forward to working with City of Lincoln Council and the local community to reopen these facilities as quickly and safely as we can to deliver the best possible leisure services at Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres.  "We'll be reaching out to customers this summer providing further details on programmes, memberships and the lessons & courses that will be available through our customer brand BETTER.  "Speaking as someone who was brought up in Lincoln and knows the city's leisure facilities well,  I greatly appreciate their importance to everyone’s health and wellbeing and therefore we are focused on preserving and enhancing that legacy. "Over the course of the next couple of months we’re replacing gym equipment and improving the look and feel of the facilities. There will also be employment opportunities with roles across fitness, customer services, lifeguarding and management." Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said:  "We are extremely pleased to confirm the appointment of GLL as our interim operator of these vital leisure centres.   “Their experience and proven capability will be essential in getting both Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres back up and running for the community." GLL and City of Lincoln Council will work together to update residents as progress is made towards reopening both leisure centres.  gll.org

PossAbilities, the vibrant social enterprise on a mission to help people “live the life they choose,” has been officially named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 and they’re absolutely buzzing. The award celebrates outstanding workplaces across the UK, highlighting organisations that lead the way in employee engagement, wellbeing, inclusion, leadership and team spirit. Even more impressively, this was PossAbilities’ first ever year entering the awards and they’ve gone straight into the Big Organisation category with a bang! Unlike traditional awards, this recognition isn’t handed out by a judging panel, it’s earned through honest, anonymous feedback from the people who know the organisation best: its staff. PossAbilities people shared what it’s really like to work there, and the message was clear: this is a workplace full of heart, humour, and purpose. At the core of PossAbilities’ work is a powerful mission of supporting vulnerable people to live independently, connect with others, discover passions and build fulfilling lives . But that commitment doesn’t stop with the people they support it extends to the people doing the supporting too. Professor Donna Hall CBE, Chair of the Board, said: “We are incredibly proud of our talented team and everything they deliver. This recognition is a direct result of their passion, commitment, and the exceptional leadership of our incredible CEO Rachel Law, her team and across PossAbilities. We care deeply about the work we do, and just as much about creating a happy, inclusive, and inspiring workplace where everyone can thrive.” From support workers and coordinators to the back-office wizards who keep everything ticking, PossAbilities is powered by people who bring compassion, creativity and energy to their work every day. And that energy is infectious, shaping a culture that’s supportive, forward-thinking, and fun (yes, fun is allowed at work). This Sunday Times award confirms what PossAbilities already knew: that making a social impact and being a great place to work aren’t mutually exclusive, they’re a perfect match. possabilities.org.uk About PossAbilities PossAbilities are a social care organisation delivering a range of services to adults across the Northwest and West Yorkshire, including supported living, outreach, day services, shared lives, short breaks and an employment service.  We support individuals to live the life they choose.

His Majesty The King visited Impact Hub Yorkshire today (15 May 2025) to meet with individuals and organisations helped by the social enterprise and mark its transition to a Yorkshire-wide entity. During his visit, The King unveiled a special plaque to mark both the five-year anniversary of the Impact Hub, and its transition from Impact Hub Bradford to Impact Hub Yorkshire. Founded during the pandemic, over the past five years Impact Hub Bradford has helped thousands individuals and hundreds businesses. Part of a wider network of 120 Impact Hubs globally, Impact Hub Yorkshire is just one of four in the UK.  The Impact Hub network forms the largest collective of impact makers globally, and have a strong focus on people and planet, whether that be helping to connect different communities, or change the lives of individuals and businesses for the better, in a sustainable way.  Impact Hub Yorkshire’s CEO and founder, Kamran Rashid said: “It was an honour to host His Majesty The King at Impact Hub Yorkshire’s offices here in Little Germany, Bradford, and show him the work our organisation does. “Our members spoke passionately about their own experiences and the projects that Impact Hub has helped to facilitate. Having the recognition of this visit is an important milestone for us all, as we look towards an exciting future helping individuals and organisations throughout Yorkshire.” Amongst the organisations introduced to The King, and supported by the Impact Hub, were Green Street; Pandoras Box Deserts; Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy; IK School of Tailoring; and the African Caribbean Achievement Project.  The work Impact Hub Yorkshire delivers is as varied as it is extensive.  The social enterprise has recently led a project focussed on bringing regeneration and inward investment to Little Germany, the area of the city centre that the Impact Hub is based in. This has included shining a spotlight on this important heritage asset, which has the highest density of listed buildings in Europe.  The King last visited Little Germany in 2008, then as Prince Charles, when he spoke passionately about the area’s rich architectural heritage.  Other projects led by Impact Hub Yorkshire have included supporting boxer Tasif Khan on a number of initiatives, which has included community outreach and education resources, aimed at inspiring young people to create a positive impact on the city.  The change to Impact Hub Yorkshire will allow the organisation to scale up what it is able to deliver, both in terms of size of project and geography. Impact Hub Yorkshire will further celebrate its five years of success at a special gala dinner in June – the first evening dinner to be hosted at the refurbished ballroom at Bradford Live.

The London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, recognising its groundbreaking approach to Early Years Education and Care through the lens of social enterprise and sustainability. LEYF is one of only 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. Announced on Tuesday 6th May, the accolade celebrates LEYF’s long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable Early Years Education and Care that prioritises access, inclusion, community and environmental impact. At the core of LEYF’s approach is the belief that education for young children can be a powerful force for building a more equitable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible society. Sustainability is fully embedded into every aspect of nursery life – from social enterprise business, our seasonal menus and using green energy across the sites, to designing a pedagogy that gives children a voice and nurtures their love for nature and their role as future changemakers. LEYF teachers are actively empowered to become sustainability informed and lead sustainability initiatives, making every team member a champion for long-term impact. This whole-system approach is driven by the London Institute of Early Years, LEYF’s dedicated research and training hub, and its: Action for Sustainability in Education, Community of Practice a vibrant network focused on embedding the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social, and environmental sustainability into daily practice. As pioneers in the sector, LEYF created the UK’s first Early Years Sustainability Strategy, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It was also the first childcare organisation to achieve ISO 14001 certification and ongoing carbon footprint measurement and reduction through Planet Mark. With sustainability threaded through its governance, leadership, operations, and pedagogy, LEYF is actively working towards achieving net-zero by 2030. Its sector-first Level 4 Qualification in Sustainability in Early Years has already empowered 68 professionals, with many more set to follow. Founded in 1903, LEYF is the UK’s largest charitable social enterprise in Early Years education, employing over 1,000 staff and running a network of 43 nurseries across 13 London boroughs. Serving more than 4,000 children each year, LEYF combines business excellence with a powerful social purpose – reinvesting profits to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds and embedding sustainability into every aspect of its work. Dr June O’Sullivan OBE, CEO of LEYF, said: "We are thrilled to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This is a powerful endorsement of our belief that Early Years Education and Care must be a force for social justice and environmental good. At LEYF, sustainability runs through everything we do – from how we run our nurseries, to how we teach and support our children, families and staff. From evidence-based pedagogy to sustainable practice, and from apprenticeships to leadership pathways, everything we do is about creating real, lasting impact. We hope this recognition inspires others across the sector to embed sustainable thinking from the ground up.” Nick Corlett, Sustainability Manager at London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) says:  "At LEYF, sustainability isn’t an afterthought – it’s at the heart of everything we do and shapes our pedagogy and practice, fuels our values, and guides our daily decisions. Powered by the London Institute of Early Years, LEYF’s pioneering research and training hub, and strengthened through our Action for Sustainability in Education community of practice, we embed the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental into everyday activity across all of our nurseries. "We are therefore honoured to receive the King’s Award and proud that our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability has been recognised at this level. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, energy, and teamwork of everyone across LEYF. We hope it sparks a wider ambition to reimagine Early Years Education and Care, where sustainability is a force for social good, builds community resilience, and a fairer future for every child." The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty the King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. Now in its 59th year, the Award remains the most prestigious business accolade in the country, with successful organisations able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years. About LEYF The London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) is the UK’s largest charitable social enterprise for Early Years Education and Care (EYEC) operating 43 nurseries across 13 London boroughs. For over 120 years, LEYF has successfully combined business excellence with social purpose to deliver high-quality, affordable early education to over 4,000 children each year with a focus on children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 75% of LEYF nurseries are situated in areas identified as having high levels of deprivation. 46% of LEYF nurseries are rated Outstanding by Ofsted, far exceeding the national average of 14%. The LEYF Pedagogy focuses on a placing the child at the centre of all business and pedagogical decisions so it can drive a consistent pedagogical approach, lead an ambitious curriculum underpinned by harmonious relationships and community engagement which together enhance the cultural capital of the children, families and staff and build resilient, curious and confident global citizens. LEYF’s business model is built on strategic oversight, operational efficiency, researched -based practice and strong purpose-led leadership. By blending business rigour with social ambition, LEYF offers a consistent, scalable model for delivering excellence in Early Years – one that is financially sound, socially responsible, and always child-focused. leyf.org.uk Photo Credit - LEYF Marsham Street Nursery and Pre-School - Francoise Facella