These annual Awards, organised by responsible business network Business in the Community and supported by key sponsor Henry Brothers, recognise, reward and celebrate inspirational and impactful organisations in Northern Ireland that are taking practical action to address pressing social and environmental issues.

The finalists are as follows:

• NI Responsible Company of the Year Award, sponsored by SHS Group – Belfast City Airport and Belfast Harbour.
• Climate Action Award, sponsored by Heron Energy – Belfast Harbour; Clearbox; Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland; Drumhorc Pallets; Henderson Group; Northstone Materials Limited; Regency Carpet Manufacturing; Renewable Energy Systems Ltd; RTU Ltd; and Silotank.
• Collaborative Action Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox – ABP; Access Employment Ltd; Belfast City Airport; Belfast Harbour; CRASH Services; DLJ Water Ltd; SSE Airtricity; and Translink.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award, sponsored by Encirc – AMS; Belfast Harbour; Capita Plc; Craft Training; Fujitsu; Henderson Group; JP Corry; Queen’s University Belfast; SONI; and Ulster University.
• Education & Skills Award, sponsored by Belfast Harbour – Bank of Ireland UK; Belfast City Airport; Cahoots NI; EY; Fujitsu; JP Corry; Northern Ireland Water; Pilgrim’s Europe; Re-Gen Waste; and Think Design Engineer Foundation.
• Employer of Choice Award, sponsored by Ulster University – Aflac NI; AG Paving + Building Products; AG Wilson Limited; Belfast City Airport; Belfast Harbour; Dowds; Mackle Petfoods; NIE Networks Ltd; Phoenix Energy; and Regency Carpet Manufacturing.
• Impact in Your Community Award, sponsored by SSE Airtricity – Almac Group; ATG Group; Bank of Ireland UK; Barclays; Belfast City Airport; Belfast Harbour; BPerfect Cosmetics; Craft Training; Danske Bank; Translink; and Version 1.
• Nature & Biodiversity Award, sponsored by SONI – Belfast Harbour; DLJ Water Ltd; Heron Manufacture; Northstone Materials Ltd.; Renewable Energy Systems Ltd; and Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
• One-to-Watch Award, sponsored by Danske Bank – Avove Ireland; Energy Saving Trust Ltd; McQuillan Companies; and Water Solutions Ireland Ltd.
• Responsible Business Ambassador Award, sponsored by Fujitsu – Richard Chambers, AG Wilson Limited; Aisling Murphy, Irwin M&E; and Aidan Taggart, Version 1.
• Responsible Digital/Technology Innovation Award, sponsored by Allstate – Derrybros Shipping & Customs Clearance; Energy Saving Trust Ltd.; and Northern Ireland Water.
• Responsible Product / Service Award, sponsored by Translink – ATG Group; Energy Saving Trust Ltd.; Express Merchants Ltd; EY; Responsible Plastic Management program; and Sign Source.
• Wellbeing at Work Award, sponsored by Larne Port – AG Wilson Limited; AMS; Ballyclare High School; Eakin Healthcare; Fujitsu; GRAHAM; NIE Networks Ltd; Phoenix Energy; SONI; and Translink.

The winners in each category will be announced at a gala event attended by over 600 guests in ICC Belfast on 17 September, sponsored by Event Partners Spar NI and JP Corry, Drinks Reception Partner EY, and supported by Media Partners U105 and Ulster Business.

Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community said: “The standard at these awards just keeps getting higher year-on-year, it’s a very competitive process and all of the finalists should be really proud they have made it to this stage.

“Businesses in Northern Ireland are stepping up for their people, the planet and the places where they operate, and it’s wonderful to be able to recognise and showcase our responsible business leaders through these Awards.”

The Finalists will attend judging panels held at Innovation Factory, Springfield Road, Belfast on 23 and 24 June where they’ll bring their entry to life by presenting to a panel of three expert judges, selected for each category.

For more information on the Awards gala event and to see a full list of finalists, visit www.bitcni.org.uk/awards.