Impact.
Innovation.
Inspiration.
Thursday November 20th, Derby Museum, The Wardwick, Derby.
The Derby Impact Awards recognise the people and ventures balancing profit with purpose across the Greater Derby area. From start-ups to established leaders, we showcase how enterprise can deliver real social and environmental impact.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 NOON Nov 3rd
THE CATEGORIES
Enterprising Charity of the Year
Recognising a charity that has successfully built enterprise into its model.
New Start Social Venture of the Year
For ventures launched in the past 18 months already making a difference.
Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Celebrating an individual under 25 demonstrating leadership, initiative, and vision.
Young Social Venture of the Year
For ventures led by teams mainly under 25.
Cultural/Creative Impact Venture of the Year
Recognising a creative or cultural organisation
using arts or creativity to deliver meaningful
social or environmental outcomes.
Sponsored by Culture Derby
Best Impact Business of the Year
For a private business balancing profit with purpose.
Social Venture Champion of the Year
Celebrating an individual who actively promotes, supports, and champions social enterprise in Derby.
B-Corp of the Year
Recognising a certified B-Corp that demonstrates outstanding impact in the Greater Derby area.
Social Entrepreneur of the Year
For an individual combining leadership, vision, sustainability, and measurable impact.
Social Venture of the Year
Recognising an established venture with a strong, proven track record.
If you would like to be considered for any of these awards, make your application here. It's free to enter the awards!!
The Event: Thursday November 20th
The Derby Impact Awards 2025 will bring together social enterprises, entrepreneurial charities, B-Corps, and purpose-driven businesses for an inspiring evening of celebration and connection.
Guests will enjoy:
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✨ 10 award categories honouring innovation, leadership, and impact
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🎥 Short films showcasing the stories of our finalists
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🎤 Keynote speakers and insights from social enterprise leaders
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🤝 Networking with change-makers, local leaders, and impact-driven organisations
The Awards highlight Derby’s growing reputation as a hub for social innovation and responsible business, showcasing ventures that balance profit with purpose while tackling social and environmental challenges.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or simply curious about the future of business in Derby, this is your chance to connect, be inspired, and celebrate the organisations driving positive change.
Speakers and Award Makers
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Martin Austin MBE – Nimbus Disability
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Catherine Atkinson MP - Member of Parliament for Derby North
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Cllr Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of EMCCA
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Peter Ellse – CEO, CEO Cosy Foundation
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Dr John Forkin MBE DL – MD, Marketing Derby
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Sir Richard Fitzherbert - High Sheriff of Derbyshire
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Alix Manning-Jones - Chief Executive, Culture Derby
Schedule
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6:00 pm – Arrival & Welcome Drinks
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6:30 pm – Keynote Speakers
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7:00 pm – Awards & Presentations
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9:00 pm – Close
🎟 Tickets just £20 – Buy yours here
About our sponsor - Nimbus Disability
Nimbus Disability is the organisation responsible for the development and provision of the Access Card, a widely recognised disability identification card throughout the UK and the World.
The Access Card serves to translate an individual's disability under the medical model into access requirements from the social model. These allocated symbols facilitate discreet communication to participating venues and events regarding the specific adjustments a cardholder may necessitate, such as accessible entrances, essential companion tickets, or assistance with visual or auditory information.
Through the presentation of the card or the provision of its unique identification number online, integrating into ticketing systems, individuals can often mitigate the need for repeated explanations of their requirements and the submission of extensive personal documentation, thereby streamlining the process of accessing services and reasonable adjustments as mandated by the Equality Act.
"We're so pleased to be supporting Social Ventures and the Awards as it’s perfectly in line with our mission and business model. Derby has such a history of innovation and reinvestment in its community, and to be a headline sponsor, giving that recognition to others is a fabulous opportunity."
Martin Austin - Managing Director, Nimbus Disability
Celebrating Change. Creating Impact.
Derby Impact Awards 2025
📍 Thursday 20th November 2025 | 6:30–9:00pm | Derby Museum, The Wardwick
Organised by Derby Social Ventures
📧 Contact: keith@socventures.org | 🌐 www.socventures.org
Supporting Sponsors
