SERC Student Finalist for Social Enterprise Award

A culinary arts student from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is a finalist in the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2025.

Brandan Magee, (17) has been shortlisted in the Young Person of the Year category. The annual awards celebrate talented individuals, teams and organisations who are making a real difference, changing lives, building inclusive communities and making a positive impact in society.

Brandan, who is currently completing the Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Cookery at SERC Lisburn Campus,  has been shortlisted for Rooted Relief, a new start-up social enterprise that offers affordable meals via a food truck to low-income communities that can't afford takeaways or dining out. He also wants to inspire young people in the care system – just like himself - to believe that they can succeed in business after leaving care.

Brandan said, “This venture will offer an affordable "treat meal" for people who cannot normally afford takeaways or meals out.   It is something that many people take for granted but the social aspect of enjoying food like this is not an option for many people.”

He continued, “One in three children in care end up homeless, and there is a negative perception of young people from the care system. I want to show these young individuals that they can succeed and that their circumstances do not determine their future.”

No stranger to success, this past year has been a bit of a whirlwind for the young man.   He has already secured a place with EPIC Entrepreneurs, a 3-month programme which aims to give disadvantaged young people, aged 16-25 living in the UK, the chance to realise their potential and he is the recipient of a SEED 2030 Micro Grant from One Young World and Unloc and supported by The Ellis Campbell Foundation.

Winners of the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2025 will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Friday 7 November at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast.

You can follow Brandan’s progress on Instagram: UseyourVoiceproject