PACTO SHORTLISTED FOR UK SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARD FOLLOWING WELSH INNOVATION WIN

Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) is celebrating after being shortlisted for the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026, just weeks after winning the Social Business Wales Award for Innovation 2026.

The UK Social Enterprise Awards celebrate organisations using social enterprise to transform lives and strengthen communities across the country. The 2026 ceremony will take place at New Century Hall in Manchester on 12 November, bringing together shortlisted organisations from across the UK.

For PACTO, the shortlisting represents another significant recognition of the organisation's work to develop innovative responses to the transport challenges faced by people and communities across rural Pembrokeshire.

PACTO works with community transport organisations, volunteers and public, voluntary and community sector partners to help people who may otherwise struggle to access transport, services and opportunities.

The UK recognition follows PACTO's success at the Social Business Wales Awards in October, where the organisation received the Innovation Award.

Ady Poole, General Manager of PACTO, said: "We are absolutely delighted. Winning the Social Business Wales Innovation Award was a very special moment for us, but to now find ourselves shortlisted on a UK stage is something we are incredibly proud of.

"PACTO might be a relatively small organisation based here in Pembrokeshire, but we've always believed that rural transport challenges need us to think differently, work collaboratively and, sometimes, be prepared to try something new.

"The recognition really belongs to our staff, Trustees, volunteers, member community transport organisations and the many partners who work alongside us. None of what we achieve happens in isolation.

"Whatever happens in Manchester on 12 November, we're incredibly proud to be representing Pembrokeshire and Wales alongside some fantastic social enterprises from across the UK."

The UK Social Enterprise Awards showcase the strength and diversity of the UK's social enterprise and co-operative movement. This year's shortlist spans 15 categories and includes organisations working across areas including public services, employment, environmental sustainability and tackling barriers faced by communities.

The 2026 awards are being co-produced by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK, with this year's theme, "All Together Now", reflecting the role of unity and co-operation within the social enterprise movement.

PACTO will join fellow finalists at the awards ceremony in Manchester on Thursday 12 November 2026.