As a community interest company (CIC), we measure success by the change we create locally: keeping good food and goods in circulation, building skills, and strengthening community ties. In 2024 alone, Cherwell Collective and our programmes (Cherwell Larder Marketplace, Climatarian Kitchen, Harvest @ Home, WISH, and Oxford Party Library) shared over 107 tonnes of surplus with neighbours, served 6,700+ surplus-made meals, and helped divert 462,000 kg of waste from landfill, reducing our community’s carbon footprint by an estimated 1,009 tonnes (around 4.6 million car-mile equivalents). These are core ways we measure Cherwell Collective’s impact.

That’s the work that matters most. But this month brings an extra reason to celebrate: nine awards nominations across four ceremonies—local, countywide, and national—recognising the people and partnerships behind this impact. CICs exist to trade for community benefit with a statutory “asset lock,” so outside recognition also helps raise the profile of mission-led enterprise across Oxfordshire.

Oxford Climate Awards — 17 September, Oxford Town Hall

We’re proud to be shortlisted at the Oxford Climate Awards, which showcase leading climate action across Oxford and Oxfordshire. Oxford City Council calls the awards “a brilliant showcase of some of the best work” tackling the climate emergency. That’s an ethos that aligns with our surplus-first approach and community-led circular economy model. Cherwell Collective is nominated for two awards at the black-tie gala, the categories being Innovation and Sustainable Medium Business. Winners will be announced 17 September at Oxford Town Hall.

Enterprise Oxfordshire “Marketplace & Celebration” — 18 September, Oxford Town Hall

The following evening, we join Enterprise Oxfordshire Business (formerly OxLEP) for its Marketplace & Celebration. It’s a countywide showcase of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) supported since 2022. This year’s event is 18 September at Oxford Town Hall (6–9pm). Cherwell Collective is nominated for two awards, Environmentally Sustainable Business of the Year and Socially Responsible Business of the Year.

Cherwell Business Awards — 19 September, The Chesterton Hotel (Bicester)

Closer to home in the Cherwell Council District, the Cherwell Business Awards celebrate excellence across our district (Kidlington, Bicester, Banbury, and surrounding villages). The black-tie Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony takes place 19 September at The Chesterton Hotel in Bicester. We’re honoured to be recognised among local peers in three categories that reflect our values, with nominations for the awards for Sustainability, Charity, and Overall.

Great British Business & Community Awards — 26 September, Crowne Plaza Marlow

Rounding out the month is national recognition at the Great British Business & Community Awards, where we’re shortlisted for Innovator of the Year and Charity of the Year. The ceremony is on Friday, 26 September at the Crowne Plaza Marlow; at the time of writing, the organiser lists public ticketing for supporters who wish to attend.

Why these nominations matter

  • Breadth of impact: From rescuing surplus and cutting food waste to skills-building, repair, and sustainable fashion education, our programmes are designing everyday routes into climate action that save money as they save emissions. (Learn more about Cherwell Larder’s surplus-first model and partnership with Oxford Food Hub on our site.)
  • Civic enterprise: As a CIC, we reinvest for public benefit—awards like these help introduce new partners, volunteers, and donors to proven local solutions.
  • County to country: Recognition spans city (Oxford), county (Oxfordshire), district (Cherwell) and the national stage—evidence that community-led climate action can scale.

Join us and cheer us on

If you’re attending any of the September ceremonies, say hello—we’d love to meet fellow finalists, supporters, and prospective collaborators. If you’d like to support our work year-round (volunteering, surplus sharing, or donations), you can also learn more about each programme and our latest impact on our website.

Key dates at a glance