Award judge Sasha Bainbridge, partnerships director of Lovell Partnerships, which is sponsoring this category, said: “Now more than ever, it is crucial for businesses to consider and support their wider community, with people wanting to support businesses who genuinely care and give back. A considered CSR [corporate social responsibility] strategy to support communities, as well as providing opportunities and caring for its people and local workforce, is key.”
Like the businesses that will enter this award, Lovell Partnerships supports local communities.
Ms Bainbridge said: “As a company and as individuals, we are committed to supporting communities through a mix of activities, including: volunteering, fundraising, being a community champion, donations of equipment or manpower, partnerships with local educational trusts and organisations.”
When judging the award entries, businesses that will get the judges’ attention will be those that can demonstrate they care about their communities, and dedicate appropriate time and resources to making a positive impact.
“Evidence of this and measurements or testimonials from the community it has impacted will also be beneficial, as will showing they have an ongoing desire to support their community,” said Ms Bainbridge.
There are many benefits for businesses that have a strategy for community growth.
“A clear and defined strategy for community growth ensures that a business can meet its goals, and enables an organisation to effectively communicate to their team opportunities to get involved,” she said.
“Having a strategy and goals enables a business to review their progress regularly and assess whether they are exceeding or need to adapt to achieve the most positive impact.”
The deadline for entries to the EADT Business Awards is April 30. To enter the Growth Business of the Year category, please visit the website.
The find out more about all of the categories, please click here.
Meet the sponsor
Lovell is a leading housing developer and provider of partnership and open-market housing.
The company has expertise in housing-led regeneration including new-build, open market housing, refurbishment, planned maintenance and assisted living. Lovell also believes in providing a Lovell legacy and investing in communities.
Lovell is an employer of choice, committed to caring about its people and providing opportunities including apprenticeships. It has been operating for over 50 years and is committed to climate change and the environment.
Lovell has sites across the region, including Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. It is part of the Morgan Sindall Group plc.
Award criteria
In an ever-changing world, we come across challenges in business that push companies to innovate and adapt their business for the good of the wider community.
Have you changed the products or services you are producing to benefit a crisis or are you lending your team to assist elsewhere?
Our judges will be looking at how you plan to create a positive impact, and what you are currently doing, or have done in the last six months, to put this in place.