Fenland Business Awards: Ferry Project in Wisbech takes Best Social Enterprise award

A charity was applauded as representatives made their way to the stage to receive their accolade for Best Social Enterprise at the Fenland Citizen Business Awards.

The Ferry Project was crowned the winner in this category as the charity joined Maria Weaver of sponsors Clarion Futures on stage.

Keith Smith, CEO of the charity, was very proud to be named as the winner. He said: “I am very pleased and very proud of the whole team. It is a team achievement.

“We always wanted to raise the profile of all of the work we do, we are here to help homeless people and this type of award just raises the profile so we can help more, get more people aware of things that are needed and the recognition that we do the work well.

“This is our 25th anniversary year so it is wonderful to win this, it is just the cream on the cake.”

This award is open to charities and social enterprises who can demonstrate significant commercial and social impact of their activities.

The judges of this category wanted to see clear evidence of commercial awareness and innovative strategies that complement the altruistic aims of the organisation.

There were two other finalists in the running for this award: Blackfield Creatives and FACT Community Transport.

The Wisbech-based charity is a social enterprise and registered organisation that provides emergency accommodation and longer-term help for homeless and vulnerable people in the Fenland area.

Founded in 1998 by members of Wisbech Churches Together, they responded to a need to provide accommodation to the homeless. Since that time Ferry Project has supported nearly 3000 homeless people.