Member Article

Workshop launches Responsible Business Awards in North East

The charity Business in the Community (BITC) is urging North East companies to showcase their outstanding corporate social responsibility achievements by entering its annual Responsible Business Awards.

Businesses in the region can pick up best practice tips and information on the UK’s longest-running and most robust corporate responsibility awards at a workshop at Gentoo Group, Emperor House, 2 Emperor Way, Sunderland SR3 3XR, on Friday 29 November 2013 from 12 noon to 4.00pm.

The annual awards celebrate businesses that are delivering positive impact on employees, young people, local communities and the environment. From driving rural or high street regeneration, supporting disadvantaged people into employment, building long-term partnerships with schools, to enhancing the well-being of employees, the BITC Responsible Business Awards are an opportunity for companies of any size to be recognised for their commitment to a wide range of responsible business practices both in the UK and internationally.

Last year the Gentoo Group won the Education category in the North East’s Responsible Business Awards: one of 12 small and large businesses across the region that were awarded a responsible business Big Tick or a winning accolade.

Caroline Gitsham, director of living at Gentoo Group, a profit for purpose social business, said: “Every business touches society, community and the environment during its daily operations, providing many opportunities to be an influential force for change. The Responsible Business Awards shine a spotlight on what responsible business means in practice. I encourage all businesses, regardless of size or sector, to stand up and be counted for the work they are doing to make a positive difference.”

There are 13 UK-wide categories in the Responsible Business Awards, including three new awards - the ‘Building Stronger Communities Award’, the ‘Sustainable Products and Services Award’, and the ‘International Disaster Relief Award’. Businesses can also enter specific Local Impact categories which recognise excellence in their local area. In the North East these are: Employee Volunteering Company of the Year, Employee Volunteer of the Year and Community Champion.

Liz Needleman, area director for BITC England East, commented: “These awards recognise those businesses that have integrated responsible business behaviour throughout their organisation. They also provide businesses with an opportunity to stand up and be celebrated. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire more businesses to start on their own responsible business journey or to continue innovating in order to create a more sustainable world that is fit for today and for tomorrow.”

The closing date for entries is 21 February 2014. Companies interested in finding out more about the awards are invited to attend an awards workshop in Sunderland on 29 November 2013 or contact Jenny Metcalfe at jenny.metcalfe@bitc.org.uk

2014 Responsible Business Awards category list:

• Responsible Business Award
• Santander Responsible Small Business Award
• International Award
• International Disaster Relief Award (NEW)
• Dairy Crest Rural Action Award
• Building Stronger Communities Award (NEW)
• Education Award
• Asda Enterprise Growth Award
• Work Inclusion Award
• Inspiring Young Talent Award
• Bupa Workwell Engagement and Wellbeing Award
• Engaging Customers on Sustainability Award
• Sustainable Products and Services Award (NEW)

2014 Local Impact categories for North East:

• Employee Volunteering Company of the Year
• Employee Volunteer of the Year
• Community Champion

For further information about the 2014 Responsible Business Awards please visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Business In the Community .