Social enterprises gathered in Llandudno to highlight their work in tackling some of society's most pressing issues - and some walked away with the top awards of the night.

The event took place at Venue Cymru on Tuesday, October 1.

Bridgend-based Community Impact Initiative was awarded the headline Social Enterprise of the Year.

Abi Lewis, head of service delivery, said: "We give local community members the chance to learn new skills, work on their confidence and motivation, meet new people, all while regenerating an empty home.

"The goal is positive life improvement, whatever that means to each individual, which could mean getting back into work, but definitely means gaining confidence and empowerment through gaining new skills."

Down to Zero Ltd, which helps people around Rhondda Cynon Taf combat climate change, was named Social Enterprise – One to Watch.

Project manager Tom Addiscott said: "The whole purpose of (our vegetable delivery service) Lush Box was to grow local vegetables, work with volunteers and give them opportunities to develop skills in the green economy, minimise food miles, and reduce carbon footprint.

"We are very proud of the One to Watch award.

"It has given us kudos as a company, raised our volunteer numbers, and given our staff that ‘feel good factor’."

(Image: Cwmpas) Grange Pavilion Youth Forum CIC, based in Grangetown, Cardiff, was recognised for its work in building diversity, inclusion, equality, and justice.

The business provides activities and skills training for young people in disadvantaged areas of Cardiff.

Nirushan Sudarsan, director of Grange Pavilion Youth Forum, said: "This award celebrates the strength of all the young people in our project.

"It’s a lot of people working together to make their area better and giving opportunities to young people."

(Image: Cwmpas) Cardiff-based Qualia Law CIC, the only non-profit in the UK providing court of protection deputyship by qualified and regulated solicitors, won the Social Enterprise Innovation of the Year award.

Hannah Davies, director at Qualia Law CIC, said: "We help people who are in the most vulnerable states of their lives, who don’t have the family or support networks to help them manage their finances or safeguard their assets."

CAIS Social Enterprises and St Giles Cymru were joint winners of the Community-based Social Enterprise award.

They have provided subsidised food to 453 local individuals and families and delivered 1,200 intensive support sessions through their social supermarket, Y Pantri.

(Image: Cwmpas) The Social Business Wales Awards 2024 were sponsored by The Co-op, CAIS Social Enterprises, and Co-operative and Community Finance.

Glenn Bowen, director of enterprise at Cwmpas, said: "These fantastic social businesses address discrimination, empower society at its most diverse to solve local and national issues, balance profit with hope for a better way of doing things, and boost resilience in their communities.

"Congratulations to each of our winners, and to all the fantastic social businesses which entered.

"They should feel very proud."