TWO local businesses, and the boss of Teesside’s ports, have received national recognition for their role in the local community.
The Awards for Excellence, run by the Prince of Wales’ charity Business in the Community, commend the best examples of business as a force for good.
Achieving success in the 2012 awards was Billingham-based Johnson Matthey which was presented with a Big Tick Award at the event, which took place at the Centre for Life in Newcastle.
The award was for its Future Scientists programme which aims to makes science fun and interesting and encourage more children to study science.
Fellow chemical company Lucite International was also recognised with an award for its volunteering activity.
The event also marked the opportunity to celebrate and recognise North-east business leaders that have made a significant personal contribution to the local community.
David Robinson, chief executive of PD Ports, was announced as regional ambassador for HRH The Prince of Wales for his leadership in convening businesses to help improve the skills and aspirations of young people on Teesside.
His award was announced by the Prince of Wales in a video recorded address during the event.
The accolades were presented by Greggs’ finance director, Richard Hutton, who chairs BITC’s regional leadership team for the North-east, along with BITC’s chief executive Stephen Howard and regional director, Karen Wilkinson-Bell.
She said: “Each year I am thoroughly inspired by the amazing examples of what businesses are doing in the North-east to incorporate responsible business in all they say and do. Our winners show great leadership and willingness to genuinely transform their businesses and the communities in which they operate.
“The win win to both business and society when businesses think and act differently is key for all organisations on this journey.”
This year Business in the Community celebrates 30 years of supporting and encouraging firms to transform their organisation and the communities in which they live and operate.
