Fourteen companies awarded big ticks at the North West Awards for Excellence 2008

Fourteen companies in the North West were awarded Big Ticks at Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence 2008 celebration event on 12 June for their outstanding achievement and commitment to responsible business practice.

I congratulate all the winners of a Big Tick this year. It is fantastic to see so many strong examples of responsible business practice.

Now in their 11 year, the Awards for Excellence reward companies across the UK with a coveted Big Tick for the positive impact their responsible business activities have in the marketplace, the workplace, the environment or in the community.

Unlocking the inherent talents 

Companies that win a Big Tick are embracing one of the biggest challenges for the UK today, the need to unlock the inherent talents of individuals to ensure future UK competitiveness. They are doing this by recognising and nurturing talent in the workplace, in the community or through marketplace and environmental innovation and leadership.

Co-operative Financial Services were awarded a Big Tick for their work on ethical banking and their strong environmental credentials in the Impact on Society Award in association with Tomorrow’s Company. The company has also been short-listed for a national award to be announced at a Gala Dinner in central London on July 7.

Manchester Airport was recognised for its work in local people onto free short-term training courses to make the transition from unemployment into work by being awarded the North West 14-19 Education and Skills Award sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council North West.

Personal congratulations 

In addition, the company’s Managing Director Andrew Cornish was personally congratulated for driving responsible business practice throughout the airport and named by Business in the Community president HRH Prince Charles as his regional ambassador.
 
Almost a quarter of the 104 Awards for Excellence secured by companies in the UK this year went to businesses in the North West.  Recipients included Manchester City Football Club, United Utilities and Diageo.

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said: “I congratulate all the winners. The Awards for Excellence is our annual benchmark of the very best. The Big Tick is a valuable and difficult award to achieve and it reassuring to see such a high standard in the winners.”

“Those who achieve the Big Tick are leading companies, ones that run their businesses aware that they depend above all on the talent, innovation and loyalty of their people. They are building successful sustainable businesses by constantly showing their commitment to responsible business practice.