Celebrating Social Enterprise Day 2025: Building a better future with Down to Earth
As Wales marks Social Enterprise Day 2025, communities across the nation are celebrating the organisations using business as a force for good to tackle social challenges, strengthen communities, and protect our planet.
Among them is Swansea-based Down to Earth, winner of the Social Enterprise of the Year Award at this year’s Social Business Wales Awards.
Down to Earth is redefining how we design, build, and connect with our environment through its pioneering, nature-centred approach to construction and education.
The organisation co-designs and co-creates homes, schools, and hospitals using sustainable design principles and natural materials. But for Down to Earth, it’s not just about buildings, it’s about people.
“Down to Earth has been developing a new form of health care and education delivery through the co-design and co-creation of remarkable homes and public buildings, working with some of the most at-risk and marginalised communities in Wales” said Mark McKenna, co-founder and CEO of Down to Earth.
“Underpinned by published research, over the last 12 months we’ve worked with over 1,800 participants, bringing about positive changes in their lives and communities as well as demonstrating the potential of nature-centred buildings”.
This blend of environmental action and social impact captures the spirit of Social Enterprise Day, and shows that business can drive meaningful, sustainable change.
Bethan Webber, Chief Executive of Cwmpas, said:
“Social enterprises are delivering essential services, creating good jobs, tackling climate change, and keeping wealth rooted in communities across the nation. They show what can be achieved when business is driven by purpose, not just profit.
Cwmpas’ recent report Mapping the Social Enterprise sector showed that there are 3,100 social businesses active in Wales, contributing up to £5.7 billion to the Welsh economy each year. The impact of this sector and the difference it is making in communities across Wales and beyond cannot be underestimated.”
As we celebrate the achievements of social enterprises this year, Down to Earth’s work stands as a shining example of how purpose-driven businesses can transform lives and landscapes, helping to build a fairer, greener Wales for everyone.
