Member Article

London firms command shortlist for Responsible Business Awards

Twenty five businesses from across London are celebrating today after making it onto the shortlist for the most prestigious awards programme, championing responsible business in the UK and abroad.

Run by the charity Business in the Community (BITC), HRH The Prince’s Responsible Business Network, the 2017 Responsible Business Awards showcase and celebrate the very best examples of businesses that are making a significant difference within their local communities. The companies shortlisted all share the same goal - a commitment to be a positive force for change, creating more inclusive workplaces and tackling environmental challenges among other themes.

Amongst the London-based companies shortlisted this year is Parcelly, the UK’s fastest growing network of on-demand parcel collection points. The company has been recognised in the Responsible Business in the Digital Age category for its innovative click and collect solution designed to enable seamless delivery of online purchases with any retailer or courier worldwide. In addition to reducing the number of driver destinations and eliminating multiple delivery attempts, Parcelly donate up to 5% of the price of each booking to further reduce the carbon footprint. Other businesses shortlisted range from banks and leading high street retailers to professional services firms.

Gavin Bounds, Fujitsu’s Chief Operating Officer for the Americas and EMEIA, and The Prince’s Ambassador in London, said: “I would like to congratulate all the companies across the capital that have made it onto the shortlist for the 2017 Responsible Business Awards. The work they have been doing to support local communities is truly inspiring and I commend all of them for playing their part in looking to create a fairer society and more sustainable future for all.

“In my time as The Prince’s Ambassador in London, I have been lucky to see first-hand how companies in the capital are transforming their operations to become more responsible. It’s vital that London businesses continue to lead the way in demonstrating how programmes can enhance communities and change the way business is done.”

The companies chosen as finalists will be invited to present their programmes to an expert board level judging panel. The overall winners of all ten categories, including the Responsible Business of the Year, will be announced in front of 1,200 business leaders at the Responsible Business Gala Dinner at the Royal Albert Hall on 4 July, hosted by Veolia (Responsible Business of the Year 2016). The new Prince’s Ambassador in London will also be announced as Gavin Bounds concludes his two years in the role.

The headline sponsors of the 2017 Responsible Business Awards are Aviva, Barclays, Experian, Fujitsu, UBS, Unilever, Unipart Group and UPS. For more information and a full list of all shortlisted companies, visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards and follow @BITC on Twitter #BITCawards.

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