New Coventry-based social enterprise up for regional award

A new Coventry-based initiative which specialises in training, volunteering and event management is in the running for a regional social enterprise award in recognition of the services it provides to the local community.

EnV – which is supported by Coventry University and which managed the recent Coventry Sport Week – has been nominated for the Social Enterprise West Midlands 'Potential' award, which celebrates start-up social enterprises with a promising future.

The initiative is also sustaining the management of the Coventry Ambassador volunteer programme, which has been one of the region's most successful legacy projects from the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Volunteers from the scheme have continued to support events such as the Davis Cup at the Ricoh Arena, the Sky Ride and – most recently – the arrival last week of Children in Need's Rickshaw Challenge in the city.

The Coventry Ambassador scheme – which was awarded both an official London 2012 Inspire Mark for its part in the Olympic Games and a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award for Volunteering – has recently recruited and trained 50 new volunteers.

David Boughey, director of EnV and sports volunteering coordinator at Coventry University, said:

We're thrilled to be shortlisted for this award, it demonstrates how much EnV has achieved in a short period. As well as managing events and delivering training, our volunteers have supported over 20 events this year alone. We hope to continue to grow to meet our vision of providing quality events, training and volunteers in the community, by the community, for the community.

The Social Enterprise West Midlands awards will take place this evening (November 20th) at the University of Birmingham.

For further information, please contact Alex Roache, external press and media relations officer, Coventry University, on +44 (0)24 7765 5050 or email alex.roache@coventry.ac.uk.