Audrey’s social economy sector work earns MBE

Audrey Murray, who has worked at LEDCOM for the past 17 years, was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the social economy sector.

Audrey, who lives in Doagh, has been involved in the setting up of around 400 social enterprises across Northern Ireland.

Over the years Audrey has become one of the leading advisors in the social economy field.

She is a founding director and chair of the Social Economy Network, Northern Ireland .

Audrey is also widely involved with a number of organisations and charities, enabling them to benefit from her skills and expertise.

She is currently involved at board level with the Ulster Community Investment Trust which is the key provider of social finance, free advice, business support and mentoring to the social economy sector in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Audrey is also programme manager for Invest NI Social Entrepreneurship Programme which was was established to address market failure issues and inefficiencies in social economy business start-ups, specifically their access to business support.

She is also on the executive committee of NICVA, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, a membership and representative umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

Audrey also serves on the board of Christian charity Blythswood Care and on the Ethical Development Trust Northern Ireland.

“I was a bit shocked but delighted when the letter came to say I had been nominated,” Audrey said, adding she would be taking her husband Francis to the award ceremony.

LEDCOM chief executive, Ken Nelson, said the directors and staff are “delighted” that Audrey’s work has been recognised.

“She has played a significant part in the development of social economy over the last 20 years and is held in high esteem both by individuals and organisations right across Northern Ireland.

“Her skills and commitment make her a very worthy recipient,” Mr Nelson said.