Excellence in Business Awards introduces category for businesses who play a community role

Up and down the region we have many firms who go above and beyond when it comes to community responsibility.

That is why The Yorkshire Post has this year introduced a new category to its Excellence in Business Awards.

The Community Award will honour the tremendous companies and organisations who do their bit to support those in their neighbourhood.

Greg Wright, deputy business editor of The Yorkshire Post, said: “We are delighted to introduce the Community Award. There are so many businesses, small and large, who are doing their bit to support their local communities.”

The award is timely given last December’s floods, which left homes and businesses devastated.

Despite the devastation the floods brought the best out in those communities impacted, with businesses, residents and other groups working together to help those most in need.

Companies who were hit by the floods are being encouraged to enter the award.

Mr Wright said: “It’s important that we recognise some of the selfless work by organisations during the floods and in the aftermath. It was humbling to see so many come together and help one another. That is why we’re urging those from the flood-hit communities to enter the award as well.

“It is important to support businesses in good and bad times and those recovering from the floods have been through a lot of pain.”

However, the award isn’t just open to flood-hit businesses but to all organisations who have in some way contributed to the betterment of their community.

The Community Award is one of 15 categories at this year’s Excellence in Business Awards.

Fiona Bruce, one of the biggest names in British television, will be the host of this year’s awards.

The deadline for entering the awards has been extended to May 31.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Greg Hands, will provide an insight into the Government’s economic strategy when he addresses the awards dinner later this year.

The main sponsors, who have supported the awards since their inception, are DLA Piper, PwC and Yorkshire Bank. The associate sponsors are Plusnet, The Sewell Group and Bradford University School of Management.

The Sewell Group is sponsoring the entrepreneur category.

Paul Sewell,managing director of Sewell Group, said: “Business begins with entrepreneurs. They are the warriors and rock stars of the business world, who need recognising, appreciating and encouraging, big style.”

Bradford University School of Management is once again sponsoring this year’s Outstanding Employer category.

Professor Carole Howorth, dean of Bradford University School of Management, said: “We wanted to be part of The Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards because anything that promotes and celebrates good business practices is worth getting behind.”

To enter the awards visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/awards.