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North East companies awarded for responsible business excellence

A hat trick of North East companies has reached the national finals for their commitment to responsible business practice.

Two of the region’s organisations also received shortlisting accolades for making a difference to their communities and workplaces at the Responsible Business Awards spearheaded by Business in the Community (BITC) which is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Prince Charles’ presidency.

At the packed event held at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle last night (June 11), finalists Esh Group, livin and Virgin Trains East Coast were celebrated for their work within schools, employee wellbeing and inspiring young talent.

Shortlisted firms PD Ports and Accenture were acknowledged for ensuring young people have the skills to build successful working lives and supporting people from disadvantaged groups into employment.

Finalists Esh Group and livin will go on to present their programmes to senior business professionals with the overall winners announced in London at BITC’s Responsible Business Annual Gala Dinner hosted in partnership with 2014 Responsible Business of the Year winner National Grid, on 7 July 2015.

A further eight organisations – Derwentside Homes, Darlington Building Society, Gentoo Group Ltd, PD Ports, Gus Robinson Developments, Northumbrian Water Group, Shared Interest Society and Greggs Plc received reaccreditations for demonstrating continual positive impacts through a programme initially awarded in 2013 or 2014.

Gentoo and Accenture were also recognised for their employee volunteering work and Greggs Plc was singled out for its collaborative action within its ‘Tackling Health’ programme.

Speaking via a video message at the dinner, HRH The Prince of Wales, who is President of BITC, said: “The Responsible Business Awards are always such a personal highlight for me each year, because they provide an important opportunity to celebrate business at its best and to showcase practical examples of how it is helping to build a more harmonious society and a more sustainable future.

“These awards are therefore vital as a way of inspiring other businesses to follow this lead.”

Liz Needleman, Area Director England East, BITC, said: “The annual Responsible Business Awards celebrate those businesses making a difference in communities, schools and within their own organisations. Many have created their own fantastic initiatives which have a positive impact on the employees who deliver them, and the people or project they are helping.”

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