Seasons of the Glens CIC celebrates triple success at Enterprise awards

SEASONS of the Glens CIC is celebrating a fantastic night of success after taking home three awards at the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2026.

The social enterprise was named Social Enterprise of the Year (up to £500k), an award sponsored by Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland, in recognition of its work, development and contribution to supporting sustainable communities and creating opportunities across the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Seasons of the Glens CIC also received Highly Commended recognition in two further categories: Outstanding Team Award sponsored by VIable Corporate Services, and Best Use of Social Media sponsored by Watson & Co Marketing, making it a memorable three-award achievement for the small but dedicated team.

The social enterprise supports the work of Naturally North Coast & Glens (NNCG) in delivering markets and wider activities that provide opportunities for local makers, producers and small businesses, whilst revitalising local communities.

While much of this work happens behind the scenes, the social enterprise plays a vital role in making NNCG's markets possible. From planning and coordination to equipment, logistics and the many practical details involved in delivering successful events, the team works throughout the year to support the network and businesses it represents.

Alongside this, Seasons of the Glens continues to develop its own projects and services, exploring new opportunities to generate income, create sustainable growth and strengthen the long-term future of the social enterprise and the work it supports.

The diverse portfolio of activities include: retail and corporate gifting through Basalt & Oak which supports over 52 artisan makers across Northern Ireland, retailing the in-house created award-winning Devil's Churn caramel range.

Seasons of the Glens CIC also provide consultancy and project delivery expertise, event management, delivery of tasting experiences in collaboration with Visitor Information Centres to showcase local producers, and enterprise support programmes such as Journey to Market, delivered in partnership with the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council which launched 10 new traders at the Causeway Specialty Market earlier this year.

The awards are a significant recognition of the dedication and collaboration of its staff, board members and volunteers, whose combined efforts underpin everything that Seasons of the Glens CIC achieves.

Speaking following the awards, Dr Steven Johnston, Chairperson, said: “We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to receive this recognition. To win Social Enterprise of the Year and be Highly Commended in two further categories in one evening is something very special for Seasons of the Glens CIC.

“We are a small team, and so much of what we do happens behind the scenes. These awards recognise not only the work that goes into supporting NNCG and its markets, but also the dedication of the great people that make it all happen.

“Every member of our team, our board, our volunteers and those who have supported us along the way have played a part in this achievement. We see these awards as recognition of what can be achieved through collaboration, commitment and a shared vision.”

Shauna McFall, Director and Secretary further added: “We are continuing to grow, develop new opportunities and build a sustainable future, and this recognition gives us even more motivation to continue moving forward.”

The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards, organised by Social Enterprise NI, celebrate the achievement of social enterprises across the region. The awards recognised outstanding social enterprises that combine commercial activity with a commitment to creating positive social and community impact.

Seasons of the Glens CIC congratulates all the finalists and winners and extends its thanks to Social Enterprise NI for organising a fantastic celebration of the social enterprise sector, with special recognition for Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland, VIable Corporate Services and Watson & Co Marketing who sponsored each of these awards.