Inverness based New Start Highland’s CEO Mairi Macaulay is named on WISE100 list ahead of International Women’s Day
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A Highland anti-poverty charity’s deputy chief executive is the only social entrepreneur in the region to be included on a prestigious UK-wide list of leading peers.
The WISE100 list recognises the most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise, impact investment and mission-driven business.
Mairi Macaulay joined New Start Highland as operations manager in August 2008, having previously worked as managing coordinator for CrossReach.
The accolade of inclusion on WISE100, compiled annually by NatWest Social and Community Capital in partnership with Pioneers Post, comes just ahead of International Women’s Day on Friday.
James Dunbar, chief executive of New Start Highland, said: “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.”
Mairi is an advocate for social change and pioneers the charity’s innovative delivery of vital support services.
Blending these gives thousands of people in need a pathway out of poverty and crisis, towards more stable and positive lives.
She was responsible for developing New Start Highland’s unique concept of holistic support. By interacting with one organisation, people across the Highlands can receive a range of services from New Start Highland.
These include receiving essential furniture and starter packs to create a safe, comfortable home and being assisted by a housing support team to navigate the complex benefits system, bolster their income and maintain their tenancy.
It also involves undertaking employability training to gain qualifications and work experience, leading to sustainable employment or further education.
Mairi said: “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.”
More information on how to get involved in the work of New Start Highland can be found here
