Companies in Wales celebrate their Responsible Business Practices

Yesterday more than 300 Business Leaders heard both the First Minister Carwyn Jones AM and Paul Drechsler, Chairman and Chief Executive of Wates Construction at Business in the Community’s annual celebration of responsible business in Wales sponsored by Royal Mail and Wales and West Utilities. The Awards for Excellence are the UK’s most influential, independent, peer assessed corporate responsibility awards. ‘Big Tick’ accreditations are awarded to those companies who have shown innovation, creativity and a sustained commitment to corporate responsibility.

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones agreed :”I would also like to add my congratulations to the companies who have been recognised for their commitment to responsible business practice this evening.  This demonstrates that many businesses in Wales recognise corporate responsibility has an important role to play in business despite the recent, challenging economic conditions.”

As well as recognising those companies who have achieved the UK Big Tick accreditation the event celebrated an increasing number of companies operating or based in Wales who have had a positive impact within through 5 new Award categories.

Wales Environment Award:  For organisations successfully cutting their carbon emissions and internally managing their carbon footprint.
Winner: Bluestone Resorts Ltd
Highly Commended: Wates

Wales Cares Team of the Year:  For the team that has shown that together they can make a difference
Winner: Magnox North Wylfa
Highly Commended: Zurich Cardiff site

Wales Responsible Procurement Award:  For the company that can demonstrate innovation and impact across its supply chain
Winner: Costain
Highly Commended: RCT Homes

Wales People Development Award:  For the company that can demonstrate the business case for nurturing the talent and skills of its employees and/or community
Winner: Deeside Power Station
Highly Commended: Wates

Wales Company of the Year:  For the company which best demonstrates its commitment to responsible business practice, with positive impacts across the environment, community, marketplace and the workplace
Winner: Utility and Environmental Solutions (UES)
Highly Commended: Principality Building Society

Four businesses from Wales received 5 reaccredited Big Ticks in the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence for their ongoing commitment to responsible business practice. GE Healthcare, Cadbury, Rhondda Housing Association, and BHP Billiton were recognised for their positive impact on society at the event in Cardiff last night at the SWALEC Stadium.

The results reveal that despite the recession, businesses in Wales are still focused on the impact they have on people and the planet.

Individual awards were also presented to Graeme Yorston, Chief Operating Officer of Principality, who becomes this year’s Prince’s Ambassador for Business in the Community in Wales and Helen Dearden, Director of Duffryn Community Link, who was presented with the Sieff Award, for her collaboration with business to benefit the local community.

Owen Evans, Director, Business in the Community Wales said: “I would like to congratulate all of the businesses who made the various shortlists or were re-accredited for their Big Ticks. As standards get increasingly higher, the amount of impact these businesses demonstrate is exceptional.”

“Now, more than ever, businesses need to demonstrate that to be a leading company, is to be a responsible one.  The award winners in Wales are certainly flying the flag for responsible business here and I hope will prove valuable inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.”