Member Article

It’s a big tick for North East businesses

Twelve North East based businesses have been awarded prestigious Big Tick awards by Business in the Community (BITC) for their outstanding contributions to local communities.

Darlington Building Society, Esh Group, Gus Robinson Developments Ltd, Northumbrian Water Group, Sage (UKI) Limited, Greggs, Shared Interest Society, Derwentside Homes, East Coast Mainline, Johnson Matthey, PD Ports Group and Gentoo Group impressed judges with their initiatives tackling a range of issues from building stronger communities, to inspiring young talent, education and sustainability.

The Big Tick is the first level of accolade in the annual Responsible Business Awards run by the charity BITC. Four of the regional companies are shortlisted to be named national winners in their categories.

Derwentside Homes, Gentoo Group, East Coast Mainline and Johnson Matthey have since presented to a group of senior business peers in a bid to be named overall winner in their category. National winners will receive their awards at a ceremony in London on July 8, in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, President of the charity.

John Davies, Managing Director, Esh Construction, said: “Being part of the community has always been fundamental to the way we work at Esh Group. We support people –individuals, groups and communities – at every level through the business on an informal and formal basis. It’s a foundation of our culture; sitting at the heart of our company, supporting our brand and driving our business growth.”

Liz Needleman, Area Director England East, Business in the Community said: “All year round, responsible businesses across the UK are contributing towards building more resilient communities, stimulating local economies, creating diverse, skilled and healthy workforces and addressing skills shortages - yet these activities rarely get attention.

“It’s never been more important for businesses to demonstrate the tremendous economic value, environmental and social impact they make across communities.”

The 12 companies will be presented with their Big Tick trophies at the North East Responsible Business Awards Gala Dinner on 25 June at Gosforth Park Marriott, Newcastle.

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