Commendations
Stuart Etherington - Chief Executive, National Council for Voluntary OrganisationsI was very interested to hear about the dynamic work of OxFizz and its innovative method of encouraging volunteering and raising funds. Many charities, and in particular smaller charities, struggle to raise funds, so the pioneering work of OxFizz is welcome.
In addition, the OxFizz internship programme offers invaluable experience for young people interested in working in the third sector. The training, seminars and placements OxFizz offers help to develop the key skills that will both encourage talented young people to work for a charity, and boost their employability.
David Verey - Chairman, The Art FundOxFizz is social entrepreneurship at its best. A sustainable and replicable business model designed to meet specific needs in the community
Keith Mitchell - Leader, Oxfordshire County CouncilOxford and Oxfordshire are rich in the diversity and enthusiasm of their many voluntary and community sector organisations. I welcome the establishment of OxFizz, a new and innovative social enterprise.
Ashraf El-Mashad - Senior Consultant, Monitor GroupMonitor Group is extremely pleased to support OxFizz by providing the organisation with pro bono strategic consultancy services. In 2010, we worked closely with OxFizz over a period of several months as we helped the organisation to rethink their business model and long-term strategy. Given that the work was centred around sustainability and growth, we're particularly excited to see that this is exactly what the organisation has been awarded for this year, having been named the fastest growing educational social enterprise and the third fastest growing social enterprise overall in the UK at the 2011 Social Enterprise Magazine awards. We are continuing to work with OxFizz on international expansion strategies, and are committed to the organisation's success.