Companies that give back to their communities could be in line for recognition at the North East Business Awards.
The awards include a Heart of the Community prize, which celebrates excellence in corporate, social and ethical activity, and seeks to identify organisations which best exemplify the social and community spirit which is at the core of North East culture.
Judges will be looking for evidence of a company’s contribution to the overall well-being of the community, its environment and general quality of life.
They will aim to highlight projects that can demonstrate working in partnership with their local neighbours and community, projects which contribute to the economic regeneration of the region, and schemes will use positive influence to support suppliers and other partners to adopt best environmental, workplace and community practice.
Last year the award was won by County Durham print company Newton Press, which has strong roots in Newton Aycliffe, playing a key role on the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership and supporting a number of charities, events and businesses.
The Heart of the Community award will be presented at three heats – Northumberland and Tyneside; Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside; and Teesside – before the grand final takes place at Hardwick Hall on April 30. The North East Business Awards will mark their 20th anniversary next year, with two new categories.
An apprenticeships, training and skills award and a high growth and ambition award will be introduced.
There are also awards for innovation, manufacturing, small businesses, tourism and hospitality, creative businesses, digital technology, newcomer and services.
The awards are completely free to enter.
