Businesses raise the bar at social impact awards

The success stories of local businesses with strong social impact initiatives were celebrated in Leeds last night. Over 140 attendees gathered for the West and North Yorkshire Chamber’s Raising the Bar Awards, which recognises businesses with exceptional commitment to making a positive social impact on their local community. Twelve businesses were recognised as the Raising the Bar winners, across the categories of Economy, Education, Environment and Community. Among the winners were Bradford-based Exa Networks who took away the Medium Business Economy award, Leeds-based ROSSO MATTO Architecture won the Small Business Environment award and York-based Benenden Health received the Large Business Community award. The event was opened by host BBC Radio Leeds presenter Andrew Edwards and included an opening dance performance delivered by two students from Bradford Chamber charity of the year, Dance United Yorkshire. Keynote speakers Lucinda Yeadon, Community Liaison Manager, and David Hodgson, Regional Head of Strategic Development, both from CEG, shared how they work with local people, support communities and educate young people. The Raising the Bar Awards were kindly sponsored by Provident Financial, Esh Group, Solenis and Drax Group, with Leeds City Council also supporting the initiative. West and North Yorkshire Chamber Chief Executive Sandy Needham said: “We’d like to congratulate everyone who entered the awards. Businesses who are making a difference to communities, charities, colleagues and the environment deserve recognition for the great contributions they make. We’ve had a record number of businesses using the online measurement tool and entering the awards.  People want to work in organisations with good values whatever their size.” Raising the Bar is a year-round initiative provided by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber to help businesses manage their social impact strategy, for more information visit the website: http://www.raising-the-bar.org.uk/.