THE annual UK Social Enterprise Awards has returned with Welsh renewable energy specialists, Dulas, scooping the evening’s biggest prize and with it the prestigious title of UK Social Enterprise of the Year 2016.

A co-operative founded in Machynlleth back in 1982, Dulas was recognised for its excellent track record in delivering renewable energy solutions to businesses, landowners and charities across the world, from hydro dams in Austria to solar-powered vaccine fridges in Zambia.

Cycle Training Wales were also one of the big winners on the night, picking up an award for its services to the education, training and jobs sector.

Since its formation in 2007, Cycle Training Wales has helped refurbish over 1,500 bikes, and trained many in cycle maintenance and back into employment.

It has also established the first fully-equipped bike maintenance training centre in south Wales.

Derek Walker, chief executive of the Wales Co-operative Centre, said: “Dulas have once again demonstrated to the sector that having social principles embedded at the heart of your growth strategy is no barrier to success."

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