Companies long-listed nominated by MPs for national award announced

The All-Party Parliamentary Corporate Responsibility Group (APCRG) has today (20 October) announced the companies long-listed for its National Responsible Business Champion award 2017, as selected by the Group’s Co-Chairs, Jonathan Djanogly MP and Baroness (Sally) Greengross.

This Responsible Business Champions scheme was introduced by the Group in 2015 to encourage MPs to take a closer look at the activities of companies in their constituencies and consider the extent to which they are operating responsibly. It is supported National Grid, a longstanding APCRG member and BITC Responsible Business of the Year 2014.

Despite the general election interrupting the nomination process, the Group has received a record number of nominations this year.  The long-list of 25 Constituency Responsible Business Champions will be narrowed down to a shortlist of companies to be announced in early November.  A Parliamentary judging panel will then select the APCRG National Responsible Business Champion, but the winner will not be announced until the APCRG’s Responsible Business Champions reception on 22 November 2017, when Penny Mordaunt MP, the Minister of State for Disabled People, Health & Work, will present the award to the winner.

As in previous years, a wide variety of companies from across the UK have been nominated by MPs from small high street businesses to large companies. Their activities range from hairdressing and insurance to forestry, hospitality and motor-racing.  The one thing they have in common is their commitment to their customers, employees and communities. 

Two companies have been nominated by two MPs (from different parties): Standard Life Aberdeen by Ian Murray (Labour) and Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat); and Liberty House Group by David TC Davies (Conservative) and Jessica Morden (Labour).

Baroness Greengross said:

“We were delighted to receive so many nominations from MPs this year despite the distractions of a general election and Brexit. The idea of nominating a Constituency Responsible Business Champion is clearly catching on. Selecting the best 20 Constituency Responsible Business Champions companies from a strong field wasn’t easy but it was heartening to read about so many companies doing a great job in their local communities.  The nominations also demonstrate the cross-party support from MPs for responsible businesses.

We are looking forward to welcoming the nominating MPs and representatives of their Constituency Responsible Business Champions to Parliament, when we will celebrate their achievements together.

Jonathan Djanogly MP said:

“We have been very pleased to receive nominations this year from MPs as experienced as Crispin Blunt, Sir Vince Cable, Andrea Leadsom and Stephen Timms as well as members of the 2017 intake, like Rosie Duffield, Bill Grant, Paul Masterton and Thelma Walker.  We are grateful to all the nominating MPs who have taken the time to support our scheme by nominating a company as their Constituency Responsible Business Champion. These Constituency Champions can be very proud of their success, which we hope will inspire other companies to follow the example they set.

Yet again we have heard about some truly inspirational small businesses which are deeply rooted in their communities and doing a fantastic job in supporting them, such as Excalibur Communications, Frog Bikes, Maydencroft, The Durham Ox, SB Joinery and Twickenham Studios.  We have also received evidence about the strong force for good represented by major businesses such as Pfizer Ltd, Silverstone Circuits Ltd, Standard Life Aberdeen plc and Zurich Insurance UK.  It won’t be easy picking the short-list!”

Constituency Responsible Business Champions long-listed for the RBC national award 2017

Editors’ Note:

The APCRG judging panel consists of: Lord Aberdare, Jonathan Djanogly MP, Alex Chalk MP, Baroness Greengross,  Baroness Howe of Idlicote and Lord Stone of Blackheath.

APCRG certificates endorsing companies as Constituency Responsible Business Champions are being sent to nominating MPs to present to the companies locally.