Valued as more than employer
Nov 6 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal
THE best companies have always realised they have a more important role in the community than just as employer.
From Victorian industrialists such as Bradford cloth baron Titus Salt, who looked after the educational, medical and spiritual needs of his staff, to modern firms with charitable trusts and links with community groups, the best employers give something back.
And the nebusiness awards will this year reward North East companies which look after the environment and the communities which surround them.
The awards, run by The Journal and Evening Gazette in association with Business Link in the North East, have three new categories this year to reflect the changing nature of the region’s economy.
We will celebrate achievement in helping communities and the environment with the Corporate Responsibility and Environment Award. We will also champion the most promising new businesses with a Newcomer of the Year Award and recognise the efforts of companies to look after and reward staff with the Employer of the Year Award. Achievements outside the private sector will be reflected in the Public Sector Organisation of the Year Award.
The Environment Award was won last year by SCA Hygiene Products of Prudhoe for improving its effect on its natural surroundings and efforts in clean-ups and other environmental work.
But the company may also enter the awards this year in the broader category of Corporate Responsibility and Environment with community work that has included contributing to the creation of a £90,000 play area in Prudhoe.
The award is open to all companies which can show they have contributed to their community and helped the environment.
In these difficult economic times, this award will recognise those who really go the extra mile in showing that investment need not end at the factory gates.
The nebusiness awards ceremonies have also been given a makeover, with all heats and the final hosted by humorist and business guru Guy Browning.
It has been a tough year for every company, but although the slowdown has claimed casualties, it has also given an opportunity for many to show they have what it takes to flourish in testing times. There will be heats to find the foremost businesses from the three sub-regions – Tyneside and Northumberland, Durham and Wearside and Tees Valley – before the regional final.
Since 2001, when the sub-regional heats began, more than 1,300 firms have entered. And the roll call of big names who sponsor and provide more than 100 category judges gives the event credibility.
They are all senior people and bring integrity, professionalism and diligence to arguably the most important job – ensuring we get the right winners.
There is still an opportunity to sponsor the Durham and Wearside Corporate Responsibility and Environment Award. Contact Kirsty Tarn on (0191) 201-6072 or kirsty.tarn@ncjmedia.co.uk.
