Mairi Macaulay, deputy CEO of New Start Highland, has been recognized as one of the top 100 women in the social enterprise sector by the WISE 100 list, just in time for International Women’s Day this Friday.
The esteemed list, produced annually by NatWest Social and Community Capital in partnership with Pioneers Post, celebrates the most inspirational and influential women in social enterprise, impact investment, and mission-driven business.
New Start Highland’s CEO, James Dunbar, expressed his pride in Macaulay’s achievement, stating, “There are over 131,000 social enterprises in the UK and we are so proud that Mairi is named as one of the Top 100 women in the sector. This honour is wholeheartedly deserved and is a true testament to her contribution to society. New Start Highland would not be what it is today without her leadership, empathy, and hard work.”
Macaulay, who joined New Start Highland in 2009, is a passionate advocate for social change and has played a pivotal role in the charity’s innovative approach to providing vital support services. Under her leadership, New Start Highland has been able to offer a unique concept of holistic support to those in need, helping thousands of people in the Highlands overcome poverty and crisis and achieve more stable and positive lives.
Macaulay’s innovative approach includes combining essential services such as providing furniture and starter packs for a comfortable home, offering support to navigate the complex benefits system, and providing employability training to gain qualifications and work experience leading to sustainable employment or further education.
In response to being named on the WISE 100 list, Macaulay humbly stated, “I am in the company of some very inspirational women who lead impactful social enterprises up and down the country. It’s a privilege to be included in the list.”
For those interested in getting involved with New Start Highland, please visit their website at newstarthighland.org.
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Media contact:
Marion Cordiner
marion@newstarthighland.org
07368 594 724
Notes to Editors:
About New Start Highland:
New Start Highland is a dynamic and evolving organization founded by James Dunbar in 2000. It is committed to a triple bottom line approach, where social and environmental factors are just as important as financial outcomes.
Through a program of re-use, New Start Highland provides furniture and household items with the goal of creating social impact and positive environmental change.
The organization tackles three main social issues: furniture and household item re-use, housing support services, and employment training. By offering a range of services, New Start Highland has saved the public purse millions of pounds since its establishment.
New Start Highland Enterprises funds the charity’s activities and includes a refurbished bike outlet in Inverness, along with professional and commercial services such as order fulfillment, house clearance, removals, and storage services throughout the Highland area.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.