A SOUTH Ayrshire sports club has been nominated for a prestigious enterprise award.

Carrick Rugby Club received the nod in the "One to Watch" category at the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2023.

The awards, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland, recognise excellence and outstanding achievements by social enterprises – businesses that reinvest their profits for social and environmental good - that demonstrate they’re improving and building a better economy and fairer society.

With a total of nine categories open to all social enterprises that operate in Scotland or individuals that work/volunteer in Scotland, the awards present a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector.

Carrick Rugby Club's nomination comes in a category which "shows early potential and can clearly articulate their future vision, how they are going to achieve it, and how they will drive growth in their business."

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Kim Wallace, director of membership and policy at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “There is always much to celebrate about the impact of social enterprise in Scotland at both a local and national level.

"We were delighted by the quality, diversity, and geographic spread of applications this year with application numbers almost back to pre-pandemic levels.

"This is encouraging as this reflects the resilience, determination, and growth of the social enterprise movement.

"Our awards are designed to raise the profile of social enterprises and show that there is another way of doing business. We know that without such fabulous organisations on the ground, this would of course not be possible.

"We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our 2023 applicants and the hard work and dedication of all of Scotland’s inspiring social enterprises and social entrepreneurs.”