Gongs acknowledge top efforts of responsible employers
Retailers, manufacturers and recruiters were recognised at the prestigious Business in the Community Awards last night, for their innovative work on staff engagement, skills and well-being.
Prime Minister David Cameron applauded the work of all the finalists as he celebrated their efforts at the event, while national treasure Joanna Lumley and actor and comedian James Corden co-hosted the evening at the Royal Albert Hall.
Car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover picked up a double award as it collected the coveted top prize Responsible Business of the Year Award - making it the first manufacturer to do so – as well as the Education Award (large company) . Its prize winning programmes included developing a future workforce with a focus on STEM (science technology, engineering and maths) skills and helping two million young people to improve their skills.
Jaguar Land Rover said that its Inspiring Tomorrow’s Engineers initiative had created at least £700,000 in value for the firm through its positive impact on employee motivation, productivity and reduced absence rates
Building contractor Lakehouse won the Responsible Small Business Award for saving up to 15 per cent in labour costs as a result of its Corporate Responsibility strategy on recruitment and retention.
Marks & Spencer was awarded the Workwell Award for its online well-being programme which cut staff turnover rates to 0.5 per cent, reduced sickness absence by 7 per cent, and encouraged 10,500 employees sign a well-being pledge.
Provider of recruitment, staffing and workforce management services Gi Group took home the Workplace Talent and Skills Award for its employability programme, while Wates Group collected the Work Inclusion Award for its Building Futures programme. Construction and facilities services firm Gentoo received the Education Award (small company) for its Gentoo Academy 360 Educational Partnership, while Jobsite won the Inspiring Social Action in Young People prize for its Word Not Weapons initiative working with young people.
Commenting on the awards, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It’s a real pleasure to celebrate the work of so many of our leading businesses who are helping to make our country a better place. Business in the Community are the great champions of this cause. And it’s absolutely right that they should hold this event - the Oscars of good, responsible business.”
Stephen Howard, BITC chief executive, said: “Award winning companies are drawn from a range of sectors, but what they share is an understanding of the critical importance of responsible leadership, a willingness to boldly re-imagine what traditional business practice looks like and a genuine commitment to driving innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing issues.”
HRH The Prince of Wales, who is BITC president, said: “The Business in the Community Awards are a real opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution of business in society, to spread best practice and remind us all just how much value businesses can add to communities and to the people who live and work in them.”
Further winners included Dairy Crest, which picked up two awards - the Marketplace Sustainability Leadership Award and the Sustainable Supply Chain Award. The Body Shop won the International Award, the East of England Co-operative Society received the Rural Action Award and Star Pubs & Bars won the Enterprise Growth Award.