Businesses Contributing To Society Urged To Enter Responsible Business Awards

Energy and environmental businesses have been invited by the charity Business in the Community to enter The Responsible Business Awards 2017 and proudly tell the public about the positive role they play in society.

Entries open today and companies of all sizes in the UK and abroad are invited to showcase what practical action they have taken to address social and environmental issues such as helping young people develop skills for the future, stimulating their local economy, supporting small businesses and using natural resources more sustainably.

Now in its 20th year, the Awards are the most prestigious and respected awards programme championing responsible business and celebrate inspiring examples of businesses making a difference.

For the first time the Awards will include a category recognising how responsible businesses are innovating in the wake of rapid technological change. The Responsible Business in the Digital Age Award, sponsored by Fujitsu, will be looking for companies demonstrating their ability to use technology to reduce poverty and inequality, improve livelihoods and enable us all to better manage earth’s natural resources.

We want businesses to tell the story of how they are successfully helping society and our communities

Chief Executive of Business in the Community Amanda Mackenzie said: “We want businesses to tell the story of how they are successfully helping society and our communities, while considering the interests of future generations as they grow. We can then inspire many more to be part of the responsible business movement for a fairer society and a more sustainable future.”

Resource management company Veolia was awarded Responsible Business of the Year 2016 for the transforming how the business uses waste and natural resources through innovative energy solutions and green products.

Senior Executive Vice-President UK & Ireland, Estelle Brachlianoff, said: “At Veolia we firmly believe that being responsible is not just the right thing to do, it’s the best thing to do – people want to buy from, work and partner with socially and environmentally responsible businesses and the Responsible Business Awards are a huge opportunity to show what businesses are doing to transform the environment and society.”

Business in the Community is also running a series of free workshops across the UK for companies to find out more about the awards. Book a free place at www.bitc.org.uk/awardworkshops or contact events@bitc.org.uk for more details.

· Birmingham – 24 November

· Bristol – 30 November

· Leeds 30 November

· Nottingham – 29 November

· Manchester – 1 December

· Newcastle – 2 December

· London – 7 December

The closing date for entries is 10 February 2017. For further information about the 2017 Responsible Business Awards, including the full list of categories, the assessment criteria and application forms visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards/responsible-business-awards