A MAJOR employer has announced it will sponsor the award for Social Enterprise at the Sussex Business awards.

Legal & General will support the award, which acknowledges non-profit social enterprises with a charitable purpose, a turnover of less than £500,000 per annum and which are addressing a social or environmental need and working towards a sustainable business model.

The sponsorship complements the SE-Assist programme, a joint venture between Legal & General, the Charities Aid Foundation and the Coast to Capital LEP, which provides financial and practical support to social enterprises in Sussex.

Graham Precey, of Legal & General, said: “Social enterprises are an essential part of the Sussex Economy. They are often first to react innovatively to social or environmental issues that need fixing. The award is a celebration of the best of these businesses in our county.”

Last year’s winner was The Big Lemon, which provides sustainable bus travel to events such as Lewes Bonfires, festivals and services.

Tom Druitt, managing director of The Big Lemon, said: “It was fantastic that the Sussex Business Awards now includes an award for Social Enterprise. “This is true recognition for a sector that now makes up a substantial part of the economy and I’m very grateful for L&G’s sponsorship for enabling this.