Left to right Caroline Donnell J.P. Morgan Michael Johnson Freshleaf Media Limited
Employers putting responsibility at the heart of business alongside commercial success are being urged to enter the Business Engagement in the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan, by organisers of the 2015 Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo.
The Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan, is looking for entries from companies that are making a positive impact on the community.
The judges for this category will be seeking to identify finalists that can demonstrate that they are leading on corporate social responsibility within the Dorset community. This award offers companies addressing social responsibility an opportunity to highlight it publicly. It will acknowledge a company which really does go the extra mile, having dedicated initiatives in place which benefit the community.
Last year, Freshleaf Media Limited in Wimborne won this award because the judges were impressed by how the company demonstrated successful engagement with the community by providing free and reduced rate websites via its Charitable Giving Programme. This programme has touched the lives of both employees and the local community by providing both financial and hands-on support.
Commenting on winning Katie Theisinger from Freshleaf Media Limited says: “We were really surprised to even be chosen as a finalist, let alone to win. Our company is founded on an ethos of using our work to support the local community and charities, which really is its own reward – but winning a Dorset Business Award was a fantastic bonus.”
Katie adds: “Winning the award has not only increased our profile, we’ve also had a number of business enquiries as a result. A lot of companies now are looking for ethical credentials in the companies they partner with, and so winning the Business Engagement in the Community Award is a great way for us to show that we really do give back to our community. Since winning this award we have continued to put 10 per cent of our net profits towards charity, and we are currently working towards creating a more structured programme – which may involve a community competition or bursaries.”
Business Engagement with the Community Award checklist
Entrants should include details of the following:
- Evidence of initiatives or projects undertaken that impact on the local community. For example, involvement in community projects, social causes, education, employee volunteer schemes, environment and recycling schemes
- Background details to these initiatives or projects, how they were developed, implemented and the length of time that they have been operating as well as employee involvement
- A summary on the impact that these initiatives or projects have had on the company and the local community
Any business based in Dorset can enter this award or any school, voluntary organisation, charity or local community initiative can nominate a local company but the nominated company will need to submit the entry.
Dorcas Williams, vice president, communications, at J.P. Morgan, says: “This award category gives much needed visibility to companies who go above and beyond what is expected to truly support their community.
“Over the years, we have congratulated winners and finalists who are each playing their part to create a thriving local community. We are looking forward to acknowledging an inspirational company for others to learn from in 2015.”
The Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Friday September 11. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For further information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 26 please contact Lorraine Hubbard on 01202 714810.
Sponsor profile copy – J.P. Morgan
J.P. Morgan is a leading global financial services firm with a presence in Bournemouth for almost 30 years. The location is a technology and operations centre, resulting in a diverse range of career opportunities. An active ‘Supporting the Community’ programme provides assistance to local voluntary organisations, charities and schools.
J.P Morgan is pleased to be supporting the local business community through the Business Engagement with the Community Award for 2015.