Social entrepreneur honoured with OBE

Employers For Childcare Charitable Group founding CEO Marie Marin (pictured) has been honoured with an OBE for her services to social enterprise. Marin, who has had a successful career as a social entrepreneur for more than 20 years, believes “there is no business like social business.”

As an award, the OBE recognises people who have a major local role in any positive activity, including those whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area. The organisation transformed itself from being 100 per cent grant-dependent to being entirely self-financing within four years, a testament to her personal drive and tenacity.

From a small community project, Marin has created a thriving group of companies, employing 30 staff who aim to make it easier for parents with dependent children to get into work and to stay in work. Marin is viewed within the sector as an inspirational leader, determined to help create the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

Employers For Childcare Charitable Group is also the only organisation in Northern Ireland which addresses childcare as an economic and labour market issue. It wants to ensure that quality, affordable and flexible childcare is provided for working parents.

The social enterprise also provides an independent childcare information service to families and raises awareness of the potential help and support available for dealing with childcare costs. Its social aims are of equal importance to its commercial activities, and it wants the Executive to give stronger recognition and support to social enterprises in Northern Ireland.