Gavin Annon, chief strategy officer at Mount Charles Group, Northern Ireland's largest independent facilities management company, has been appointed chair of Social Enterprise NI (SENI) as reported by the Belfast News Letter.

The appointment positions Annon to lead the representative body for more than 1,225 social enterprises across Northern Ireland, which collectively employ 17,000 people and contribute approximately £1 billion to the regional economy. Mount Charles operates across catering, cleaning, events and facilities management sectors.

SENI focuses on building commercial resilience within social enterprises during a period of funding constraints. The organisation supports its members through networking events, lobbying activities, capacity building programmes and a membership directory.

Annon brings experience from his tenure as former president of Belfast Chamber and his work implementing social enterprise initiatives at Mount Charles. The company has partnered with organisations including Stepping Stones NI, Change Please for barista training, and The Bridge employers' forum in conjunction with the Department of Justice to improve employment prospects for offenders.

Colin Jess, chief executive officer at Social Enterprise NI, said the appointment brings fresh perspective and strong commercial focus to drive the organisation forward. He added that Annon's leadership will introduce innovative thinking and renewed energy for the sector's future.

Mount Charles has also collaborated with The King's Trust charity to support disadvantaged young people in finding employment opportunities across its facilities management operations.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald highlighted that social enterprises create employment, develop skills and reinvest profits into local communities, driving regional productivity.

Explore the full details of this strategic appointment and its implications for Northern Ireland's social enterprise sector in the complete report.