Some say Friday the 13th is unlucky, but this was not the case for the Ferry Project.

The Fenland Citizen Business Awards were held in Wisbech St Mary on Friday 13th March 2026 which saw a large gathering of the region’s top businesses and charities to celebrate their achievements over the past year.

This year, Ferry Project were finalists in two categories: Social Enterprise of the Year (which they had previously won in 2025) and Business Leader of the Year (Keith Smith, the Ferry Project CEO).

The evening included entertainment and a three-course meal, followed by the awards.

The first award category Ferry Project were finalists in was announced: Best Social Enterprise of the Year.

The sponsor said: “The award winner has significantly expanded its community impact over the past year, with many more people now benefiting from their offering. They have introduced groups that build confidence, practical skills and sense of belonging, as well as hosting lively team building experiences that strengthen relationships within their wider organisation. Their reach across the community continues to grow through courses designed for different groups, their partnerships with community organisations, the launch of a community cookery book, increased media presence and the educational work focused on reducing food waste in community settings. Most importantly, their work creates real opportunities for individuals, building confidence, strengthening communities and changing lives.

I am delighted to announce that the winner of the Best Social Enterprise category for 2026 is... The Ferry Project!”

This was fabulous news, a real showcase and celebration of all the hard work put in by the Ferry Project Cookery School staff.

Then Business Leader of the Year was won by our outgoing CEO, Keith Smith, after 27 years of hard work and indeed a particularly challenging 2025 both personally and professionally whilst ensuring Ferry Project transitioned from one leader to the next with hope, vision and enthusiasm.

The judge said: “Here in Fenland, leadership means vision combined with hard work.

It means navigating challenges, embracing change and still keeping people at the heart of every decision. Our nominees represent exactly that spirit, ambition rooted in our community. Tonight's winner, when faced with significant personal adversity, chose to channel that energy into a positive new beginning. This has resulted in new beginnings for thousands of people who have benefited.

By applying business acumen, they have used enterprise to drive a return that can be invested for good in the community. Tonight, I'm privileged to announce the Business Leader of the Year, recognising their hard work developing the Ferry Project.”

The final award of the evening, The Whitings Group Prestige Award was open to all finalists of the awards, regardless if they had already won an award or not, and celebrated the business that had achieved overall greatness.

The sponsor said: “This prestige award honours an individual or organisation that has truly excelled in their field. A flagship Fenland charity combining homelessness, support with innovative social enterprises who deliver dignity first outcomes at scale. Its impact has been exceptional in the offerings and the difference it has made to many, including homeless prevention, skilled training, income generation and food sustainability delivered through one integral public. In 2025 they organised and ran the Fenland Food Festival helping to promote healthy eating as well as celebrating local food producers and suppliers, with an increase of suppliers from the 2024 event of only three to the 2025 event of 21. They've made guest appearances on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, together with launching a 40 recipe hardback book.

They've also expanded from their original base and are now offering help and support to others within the wider Finland community. So I'm pleased to announce the winner of the Whiting's Group Prestige Award is most deservedly The Ferry Project.”

And Ferry Project were victorious – taking home not two, but three awards!

We wish to thank Fenland Citizen, the Whitings Group and Iliffe Media for hosting the awards, and also to congratulate all the finalists who were there on the night. We can only make the lives of those living in Fenland better when we work together and there are a remarkable group of people and businesses doing just that. So thank you, and well done.