Community Shop's Executive Chairman, Gary Stott, has received an Honorary Fellowship from Social Enterprise UK and entry into the Social Enterprise Hall of Fame at this year's Social Enterprise UK Awards.

From Community Shop’s inception over a decade ago, to today’s network of stores supporting tens of thousands of people across the country, Gary has been the driving force behind its huge success.

The Fellowship recognises those whose leadership, commitment, and vision have helped shape the social enterprise movement in ways that have made a real and lasting impact, and Gary has been instrumental in leading the Community Shop team to deliver positive impact on a such huge scale.

Gary Stott, Executive Chairman of Community Shop, commented: “I’m honoured to have received an Honorary Fellowship from Social Enterprise UK and join an amazing group of inspirational people from across the social enterprise sector who have also been recognised.   

"This award is for everyone at Community Shop, and for our partners, our members, and everyone who has supported us over the last decade. I’m truly inspired by the amazing positive impact that we deliver together every day across all of our Community Shops.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of Community Shop and supported us, and thank you to Social Enterprise UK for this award."