Captains of industry call for entries to 2012 responsible business awards

Business in the Community has launched the call for entries to its 2012 Regional Impact Awards for responsible business in Northern Ireland.

These awards are not about celebrating statistics or rewarding rhetoric; they recognise businesses and leaders that make a real difference to the lives of people and society. And, if ever there was a time to lead by example, it is now.

Sponsored by Electric Ireland and in association with Ulster Business Magazine, the annual awards, now in their seventh year, will see Northern Ireland firms battle it out for the coveted title of Northern Ireland’s Responsible Company of the Year amongst other more specific awards.

This year’s award categories are:

• Northern Ireland Responsible Company of the Year, sponsored by Allstate Northern Ireland
• Environmental Improvement, sponsored by Translink
• Sustained Impact, sponsored by InvestNI
• Employer of Choice, sponsored by BT
• Local Community Impact, sponsored by LBM
• Education Partner, sponsored by Northgate Managed Services
• Most Responsible Small Business, sponsored by Electric Ireland
• Community Leader (nomination award), sponsored by Northern Bank
• Mark Pollock Award for Hope (nomination award), sponsored by PwC

Applications can be made online at www.bitcni.org.uk. Entries close on Thursday 30 March with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Titanic Belfast on Thursday 31 May.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Rooney, Business in the Community NI Chair said: “Business in the Community is the champion of responsible business and by acting responsibly in everything we do, we will be a real force for good in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

“These awards are not about celebrating statistics or rewarding rhetoric; they recognise businesses and leaders that make a real difference to the lives of people and society. And, if ever there was a time to lead by example, it is now.”

He warned that, while challenging economic conditions will continue throughout 2012, Northern Ireland has much to celebrate in the outstanding contribution the region’s business community has already made to communities and social regeneration: “If your business is committed to doing the right thing, you should enter this year’s awards. Regardless of size or sector, we want to recognise and celebrate success.

“These awards are not easily won. They are rigorous and robust and every company, whether short-listed or a winner, should be proud of its achievement. I look forward to being inspired by this year’s entries,” he said.

Susan Kinane, Managing Director of Award sponsor, Electric Ireland commented: "This year should mark the end of our three year sponsorship of these awards, however, having seen the positive impact that these awards and Business in the Community in general make in Northern Ireland, we have decided to extend our sponsorship until at least 2013.

“Electric Ireland is firmly committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and through these awards, we hope to inspire others. Year on year I am amazed by the work being done across Northern Ireland by all types of businesses – those going the extra mile to do a good deed, give of their services on a probono basis, allocate time for employee volunteering and make sure their employees feel engaged and involved in their business.

“We know times are difficult right now, but by working together and acting responsibility we will see business grow and networks strengthen. As we go through 2012, let’s learn from one another and help bolster our economy. I wish every company entering much success and I look forward to meeting the winners at the Gala Dinner in May in Titanic Belfast.”

Northern Ireland winners of Business in the Community’s UK Big Tick Awards (which are also open for entries until 4 March 2011) will also be recognised at the gala event in Belfast this May.