Companies in the South West still committed to responsible business in a recession

 

The results of Business in the Community’s (BITC’s) Awards for Excellence reveal that, despite the recession, businesses in the South West are still focused on the impact that they have on people and the planet.

This year 358 organisations from across the UK entered the awards, with 106 achieving a Big Tick. The Big Tick is awarded to businesses able to demonstrate significant impact and high quality management of their responsible business practices and who can show a positive impact both on society and on the business.

The largest amount of new entries was received this year, with nearly 80% of award entries being for newly established company programmes. The decision to award the Big Tick is made by a panel of independent, experienced practitioners, and as such is both hard won and highly prestigious - only 38% of new applicants were successful in 2009.

12 businesses from the South West will be presented with their Big Ticks at a Gala Dinner in Bristol on 25 June.  The event will take place at Explore At-Bristol, hosting over a hundred businesses, and will recognise and celebrate those that are acting responsibly and making a real difference both in their communities and on the environment.

Peaches Golding, Regional Director, Business in the Community, said: “It is heartening to know that so many businesses in the South West remain committed to their social, ethical and environmental business goals and I congratulate all of the Big Tick winners on having achieved this standard. 

“Being a responsible business is a commitment to demonstrating leadership on one of the biggest social issues of our time; openly communicating your vision and values that others may follow; building trust among customers, clients and suppliers; and managing your company’s resources wisely, that others may be able to enjoy our world for many many more years to come.

“Now more than ever, at a time of reduced income and spending power, businesses need to demonstrate that to be a leading company is to be a responsible one. The Big Tick winners in the South West are certainly flying the flag for responsible business here, and I hope will prove valuable inspiration for others following in their footsteps.”

List of South West Big Tick companies:

 

• apetito ltd
• Bristol Business Action on Homelessness
• Foot Trails
• Ginsters
• Kraft Foods UK & Ireland
• Leap Media
• MITIE Group plc
• Riverford Organic Vegetables
• University of Bristol
• Zurich (UK)