Now in its 15th year, the awards celebrate innovation, inclusion and social impact within Scotland’s growing social enterprise movement. The Buy Social Scotland Market Builder Award recognises organisations that are actively helping to grow the social enterprise economy by integrating social enterprises into their supply chains or partnering with them to deliver community benefits.

With its scale, reach and strong ties to local communities, the construction sector is uniquely placed to lead in social procurement. From sourcing ethical materials and social enterprise services to delivering local employment and training opportunities, construction firms are already making a major impact through social procurement.

Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to open applications for the 15th Social Enterprise Awards Scotland, and we’re especially encouraging organisations in the construction and built environment sectors to get involved.

“The Buy Social Scotland Market Builder Award recognises businesses that are strengthening the social enterprise economy by embedding social procurement into their operations. The construction industry has a huge role to play. From sourcing directly from social enterprises to partnering on community-focused projects, we’re already seeing brilliant examples across the sector.

“By streamlining our application process and introducing new, more inclusive ways to apply, we’re making it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to tell their story. If your organisation is using its purchasing power to support social value and build a stronger, fairer Scotland, we want to hear from you. Enter the Buy Social Scotland Market Builder Award and help us celebrate the power of social procurement.”

As part of a wider set of improvements for 2025, Social Enterprise Scotland has revamped the awards application process to be more inclusive and accessible. Key changes include:

• Applicants can respond using video, voice, or written answers
• A streamlined application form making it quicker and easier to apply
• A new, user-friendly platform for submitting and managing entries via Award Force

The 2025 awards feature 11 categories, including: Social Enterprise of the Year; One to Watch; Environmental Social Enterprise; Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice; Health and Social Care; Tech for Good; IDBM Community Wealth Building; Social Enterprise Employee Champion; Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion; the new People’s Choice Award, and of course, the Buy Social Scotland Market Builder Award.

Applications are now open, closing on Monday 7th July at 10am. Businesses of all sizes operating within the construction or built environment sectors that are actively engaging Scottish social enterprises are encouraged to apply.

For full details on how to apply and category criteria, visit the website.