Local project named as top new business at ceremony

Local project named as top new business at ceremony

24 October 2012

A MONEYREAGH-based charity project has been awarded the accolade of NI Social Enterprise Start Up of the Year.

Chocolate Memories, which is part of Autism Initiatives, was selected for the Social Enterprise Northern Ireland Award which highlights and promotes excellence in the social economy sector across Northern Ireland.

Chocolate Memories was established in 2010 by charity group Autism Initiatives NI, and volunteers hand made delicious Belgian chocolates, using the highest quality ingredients, which are then sold.

The charity started out with two full time employees and six trainees, and now employs three full time staff, a placement graduate and has 12 trainees.

In response to the difficulties faced by young adults with autism spectrum condition, those behind Chocolate Memories are delighted to offer exciting opportunities to trainee chocolatiers.

Fiona Murray from Chocolate Memories said she was delighted to win the award and happy that the work of Chocolate Memories and Autism Initiatives had been recognised.

“I would like to take this chance to thank everyone who has supported us and helped us develop our work,” she said.