Widnes-based Nightstop Communities Northwest CIC has been named as the UK’s top community business at FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards 2024, in a special ceremony marking the organisation’s 50th anniversary.
Nightstop Communities Northwest offers a multi award-winning emergency accommodation and comprehensive mental health suite of support services to both adults and children in Liverpool City Region and Warrington. It believes that prevention interventions for the most vulnerable within society is the key to lasting and successful outcomes.
On Thursday, 9 May CEO Terri Kearney MSc accepted the award with members of her team at a ceremony in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, from host TV star Tess Daly, who has presented Strictly Come Dancing since 2004.
Terri Kearney MSc, CEO of Nightstop Communities Northwest CIC, said: “We believe in ourselves and the work that we do, but it’s still a shock and delight to be given an award like this. NCNW may be a small organisation, but we have such a vast reach. The business fills a much-needed gap in service delivery, and we deliver our services passionately. There are a lot of people in need right now and so, we’re working hard to expand due to the increased demand and need. The impact of Covid, the cost-of-living crisis and Brexit is taking a toll on our local communities. It’s great that people are recognising that they need support and seeking help, but we need to grow to manage rising demand. From a national level, we need to consider how better to help people.
“For now, though, this award gives us an opportunity to take stock. I would like my team to know that they’re wonderful and that what they do makes a difference.”
“We’re very proud to be given this award by FSB who are pivotal in supporting and providing a voice to the self-employed, sole traders, partnerships and small businesses that really need to be heard. We are also delighted to be a part of their 50 years of phenomenal services.”
FSB’s Celebrating Small business Awards 2024, delivered in partnership with headline sponsor Tyl by NatWest, saw representatives from more than 140 small businesses, plus self-employed professionals, gather from across the UK, with each previously named a regional winner in their respective area. Other UK winners spanned award categories, including Innovation, Young Entrepreneur, Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, Family Business, Franchise, Micro Business, Self-Employed / Freelancer, Service Excellence, and Start-up, plus the coveted title of ‘Small Business of the Year’, which was awarded to Edinburgh-based carbon capture innovator, CCU International.
FSB began life in 1974 when Norman Small wrote to the Guardian newspaper in response to the introduction of Class 4 National Insurance contributions, which imposed extra taxes on the self-employed and small business owners.
He invited those affected by the new tax to a meeting in his hometown, Lytham St Annes, next to Blackpool where FSB’s head office has been ever since. During the meeting, he proposed an organisation designed to represent the voice of self-employed and sole traders.
Other similar meetings were held in other parts of the country, and within nine months the organisation had 25,000 members, with 200 new members joining every day.
FSB’s North West Chair, Holly Bonfield, said: “This year is a very special year for FSB, being our 50th anniversary. The Community Award is such a special category and I am delighted that it was won by Nightstop Communities Northwest CIC, an incredible organisation based in the North West.
“We know the vital part played by small businesses in their communities. Nightstop provides key accommodation and mental health support for a range of people in Halton, across Liverpool City Region and in Warrington. This is so well-deserved and it was a pleasure to be able to celebrate with Terri and members of her team.”
News:
