Leigh Spinners Mill shortlisted for Social Enterprise Award

Leigh Building Preservation Trust (LBPT), based at Leigh Spinners Mill, has been named as a finalist in the UK Social Enterprise Awards, which attracts more than 400 entries from businesses and organisations across the country.

The LBPT is the group that has transformed the historic mill into a cultural hub that supports and houses 65 independent businesses on Park Lane - with a further 40 on the waiting list.

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The Millage cafe inside the mill (Image: Leigh Journal)

On a "shoestring budget", the LBPT team has redeveloped the mill into the vibrant and safe space it is today, which offers low and affordable rents to a range of tenants to retain a community focus.

Since the regeneration project began in 2014, this has seen a music studio, art gallery, independent cinema, museum, gym, record shop, cafe, and many more taking up space in the Mill.

A gym inside the mill (Image: Leigh Journal)

With social enterprises known for their community-focused work that reinvest profits for social or environmental purposes, the LBPT has been recognised as one of the country's most innovative and impactful businesses.​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌

A prestigious award ceremony is set to take place in London this November, with the LBPT shortlisted in the ‘Community-Based Social Enterprise Award’ category.

A cafe-come-music studio in the mill (Image: Leigh Journal)

Paul Costello, Trustee at LBPT, said: “We are honoured to have made the shortlist for these prestigious awards.

"Giving small business and enterprise a space in these tough economic times has been the right thing to do. We have over 65 businesses currently operating in the mill with another 40 on our waiting list, which proves our model works.”

Former Leigh MP Jo Platt is the General Manager at LBPT (Image: Leigh Journal)

Jo Platt, former MP and now General Manager at the Mill added: “The shortlisting for the award is testament to the huge talent of enterprise that we have here in Leigh. Without our tenants this accolade would not be possible.

"I am so proud of everyone connected with Leigh Spinners Mill and looking forward to the future of the project.”

Leigh Building Preservation Trust will join other finalists and VIP guests at a prestigious awards ceremony in London’s iconic Roundhouse on Thursday, November 30, when the winners will be revealed.