SPAR NI has helped launch the 2021 Responsible Business Awards with Business in the Community as part of the Henderson Group’s on-going partnership with the organisation.

Now open for entries, the Awards scheme is open to any business that goes above and beyond to make a difference to society, or to the environment. In a year when every person and company has been impacted by the pandemic, the Awards, organised by responsible business network, Business in the Community, is keen to see entries from businesses large and small, and from every sector.

Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group which owns the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland commented “SPAR operates in every community across Northern Ireland, and we are hands-on when it comes to safeguarding our towns, villages and local environments for the future.

“The SPAR brand is celebrating 60 years of supporting and serving our local communities, supporting grass root groups and initiatives, fundraising for charitable organisations and working with local farmers, growers and suppliers, so we’re delighted to be supporting the Responsible Business Awards.”

The 11 Award categories range in theme, from diversity and wellbeing in the workplace, to recognising those who are working for the benefit of the community, through to companies who develop products that inspire sustainable lifestyles.

  • NI Responsible Company of the Year, sponsored by Asda
  • Age-Friendly Business Award, sponsored by Age-Friendly Network
  • Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Belfast Harbour
  • Education Partnership Award, sponsored by Allen & Overy
  • Environmental Leadership Award, sponsored by Heron Bros 
  • Innovation in Employability Award, sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport
  • Investing in Your Community Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox
  • Responsible Digital Innovation Award, sponsored by Allstate NI
  • One-to-Watch Award, sponsored by Ciena
  • Responsible Product / Service Award, sponsored by Translink
  • Wellbeing at Work Award, sponsored by Larne Port

Kieran Harding, Managing Director, Business in the Community says: “This year has been challenging and we recognise how difficult it has been for everyone. In connecting with businesses across Northern Ireland over the past year, I am so impressed with their commitment to supporting their people, keeping the environment and sustainability at the top of their agenda and really deepening their engagement with communities who’ve needed business support more than ever.

“This year’s Awards will recognise that it has not been ‘business as usual’ and we’re keen to see entries from the spectrum of Northern Ireland businesses.”

Entering the Awards is free, and they are even easier to enter this year as the application process has moved online. Enter now at www.bitcni.org.uk/awards.