Ten Businesses in Running to Become The ICAEW Sustainable Business of the Year

LONDON, July 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

- Visit http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk  for all finalists -

Today, the National Business Awards has revealed over 150 of Britain's leading businesses and business leaders as finalists in the prestigious awards programme. Ten organisations have been shortlisted for The ICAEW Sustainable Business Award.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130717/629299 )

Focusing on corporate longevity, this Award recognises those organisations that have embedded business sustainability principles and practices and are reaping the benefits in terms of improved commercial performance, competitiveness, customer perception, staff engagement, and prospects for continued financial strength. Finalists include -

Anglian Water Services (Love Every Drop)
Coillte Panel Products
Élan Hair Design
Greater London Hire
Jewson
Kingspan Insulation
London Bio Packaging
Reed Elsevier
Veolia Environmental Services
Whittlebury Hall and Spa

Announcing the finalists shortlisted for the category Michael Izza, chief executive of ICAEW, said, "At ICAEW we believe that it is the right time for businesses to engage in sustainable thinking and behaviour to ensure that economic prosperity encompasses the ability to live within our environmental limits and also provide social wellbeing.

"Businesses have to re-think the way they do business, re-working their strategies in the light of the imperative of sustainability rather than maintaining existing business models and adjusting for environmental and regulatory requirements. All the finalists of this year's ICAEW Sustainable Business Award have embraced this thinking and demonstrated it in their businesses."

Finalists were chosen from the hundreds of businesses that entered or were nominated for the titles. They will now prepare to make presentations to expert juries who will decide the category winners. The overall winners across all 17 categories will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 12 November at the Grosvenor House, London.

Dame Helen Alexander, Chair of judges for the National Business Awards, said: "These organisations and leaders represent exceptional success over the past year. The environment has been tough; these are the firms leading the way to growth. There's a broad spectrum of sectors represented, as well as organisations of very different sizes, reflecting the diversity of British business and the vitality of our economy. Congratulations to all our finalists."

Alex Evans, Programme Director of the National Business Awards, said: "The quality of finalists is outstanding every year - with Britain's most promising new businesses and most impactful social enterprises recognised alongside top performing SMEs and the most sustainable mid market and large cap firms."

This year's shortlisted businesses have a collective global turnover of more than £341 billion, covering activities as diverse as telecoms, construction, entertainment, publishing and manufacturing. One fifth of the finalists turnover more than £1 billion annually - with the lowest turnover peaking at £30k and highest reaching £55 billion. They represent regions from all over Britain including London, Exeter, Glasgow and Cardiff.  

Visit http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk for a full list of all finalists and to book a table at the event.

The National Business Awards supports The Prince's Trust, a charity that offers practical and financial support to young people who need it.  

About the National Business Awards
Open to organisations of all sizes from all sectors across the UK, the National Business Awards is the UK's most prestigious independent business recognition platform with its particular emphasis on excellence, innovation and ethical business. Now in its twelfth year, the National Business Awards connects the nations' professionals through its annual awards ceremony; year-round thought leadership and round table events; and is UBM plc's flagship awards programme. Visit http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk for further information or follow us on Twitter @businessawards.

The full list of categories includes -
 
The Daily Telegraph Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business
The New Business of the Year
The BlackBerry Business Enabler of the Year
The Smith & Williamson Entrepreneur of the Year
The International Growth Business of the Year
The Digital Business of the Year
The Customer Focus Award
The ICAEW Sustainable Business Award
The Leadership Diversity Award
The Social Enterprise of the Year
The Innovation Award
The Growth Business of the Year
The FTSE 100 Business of the Year
The Corporate Citizenship Award
The Croner Employer of the Year
The Santander Small to Medium-Sized Business of the Year
The Leader of the Year

About UBM Awards & Partnerships

UBM Awards & Partnerships is part of one of the largest event companies in the world. They create, design and deliver Awards ceremonies that reach thousands of people globally across every sector. Their Awards publicly celebrate excellence, highlighting what is best, what is effective and what is valued.

For further information or interview opportunities contact:
Rachel Branigan
PR Manager
UBM Awards and Partnerships
Tel: +44(0)207-955-3843
Email: Rachel.branigan@ubm.com