By Josie Armitage
Seagulls Paint is one of the UK’s top 100 social enterprises named in this year’s NatWest SE100 Index.
Applicants to this year’s SE100 have painted a positive picture in terms of their outlook for the future – despite shrinking profits and continued worries about winning enough business, gaining investment and surviving the cost of living crisis.
The list was selected according to a number of different criteria to reflect both business and impact issues – including financial performance, how thoroughly they measured and managed their impact, and their commitment to both climate issues and to taking positive action on equality and diversity.
Cat Hyde, co-founder of Seagulls, said the Kirkstall Road social enterprise has had a record couple of months due to the vast amount of paint collected from households, the number of customers and being almost back to pre-Covid volunteer numbers.
Cat said: “It came as a big surprise to find out we were in the top 100. We hadn’t applied and still don’t know who nominated us. It means a lot to our staff and volunteers to get this recognition as the team works incredibly hard to divert paint from landfill and provide a cheap resource for the people of Leeds.
“We also couldn’t do what we do without our wider community and the support of organisations and people in Leeds. Seagulls is a true grassroots social enterprise, started around a kitchen table to respond to environmental issues and combat social justice. We are very proud to have been recognised for our hard work.”
Megan Virrels, CEO of NatWest Social & Community Capital, said: “A huge congratulations to all those named in this year’s NatWest SE100 list. Social & Community Capital has been committed to supporting UK social enterprises for over 20 years, and we are constantly inspired by the resilience, ambition, and creativity that we see in the sector.
“So we’re delighted to partner with Pioneers Post again to showcase the very best social enterprises across the UK and recognise the fantastic work of these impactful organisations.”
Despite finances appearing to be tighter for social businesses this year, the overall attitude expressed by those in our survey was far from gloomy. Some 90% said they were making a more positive impact than the year before and three-quarters said they were feeling optimistic about the future.
To find out more about the work that Seagulls Paint does and how you can get involved, visit their website. Seagulls are based off Kirkstall Road.
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Congratulations Seagulls! Well deserved.