Early years leader June O'Sullivan wins social enterprise award
Friday, November 28, 2014
The chief executive of the London Early Years Foundation has won an award for her social enterprise work.
June O’Sullivan was awarded the ‘Women’s Champion Award’ at the UK Social Enterprise Awards held on Wednesday night.
The awards, hosted by Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) and sponsored by The Independent on Sunday, recognised the achievements of social enterprises and supporters in 11 categories, including Social Enterprise of the Year, Women’s Champion and Inspiring Youth Enterprise.
The 'Women's Champion Award' recognises women working in the senior leadership team of a social enterprise, who not only represent excellence in their field of work but also inspire and empower other women to achieve.
Ms O'Sullivan was recognised for being a leader in her field, influencing Government Early Years policy, cited by UNICEF as an international exemplar, and driving campaigns for change in early years provision.
Host, comedian and television presenter, Sue Perkins entertained guests and presented the winners with bespoke trophies made by social enterprises Impact Arts and Cre8.
Commenting on her win, Ms O’Sullivan said, ‘I am so grateful for this award and honoured to be chosen from such an admirable group of women entrepreneurs. I will always champion social enterprises and of course support and encourage women leaders.’
Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, said, ‘The awards are a celebration of Britain’s very best social enterprises - businesses that are making a positive difference here in the UK and abroad. Competition was tougher than ever this year, with a record number of entries. The winners wholly deserve to be recognised for their achievement, and for their tireless work using business for the good of people and planet.’
Under June O’Sullivan’s leadership, the London Early Years Foundation has become one of the UK’s largest nursery groups, operating 27 nurseries and providing high quality childcare to 3,000 children. It supports disadvantaged families that struggle to afford the often high costs associated with childcare; 46 per cent of the children who attend do so through free or subsidised places.
