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 businesses 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, sponsored by JP Corry – Foyle Food Group; Heron Bros Ltd; and SHS Group.
• Climate Action Award, sponsored by Heron Energy – Clickclick Video Marketing Ltd; DWF (NI) LLP; Eakin Healthcare; Finnebrogue; McAleer & Rushe; Translink; and WOVEN.
• Collaborative Action Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox – ABP; Bank of Ireland; Belfast City Airport; Foyle Food Group; Progressive Building Society; Translink; Whitenoise; and WOVEN.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Encirc – AMS; Bank of Ireland; First Derivative; FN Research Ltd; and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
• Employer of Choice Award, sponsored by Ulster University – Bank of Ireland; BPerfect Cosmetics; First Derivative; FN Research Ltd; GCD Technologies; NI Water; P McVey Building Systems; P&O Ferries; and WOVEN.
• Impact in Your Community Award, sponsored by SPAR NI – AMS; Bank of Ireland; Belfast City Airport; Coca-Cola HBC; Mannok; NI Water; Progressive Building Society; The Irish News; Translink; and WOVEN.
• Nature & Biodiversity Award, sponsored by SONI – Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council; Danske Bank; Heron Bros Ltd; National Museums NI; Northstone Materials Limited; Translink; Ulster GAA; Ulster University; and WOVEN.
• One-to-Watch Award, sponsored by Danske Bank – AG Wilson Limited; Hutchinson; McShane Packaging; Prestige Insurance Holdings; and Thompson Aero Seating.
• Responsible Business Ambassador Award, sponsored by SSE Airtricity – Annie Irwin, Suki Tea Makers; Cathy Maguire, AG Paving + Building Products; Chris McCracken, Linen Quarter BID; Conor Cole, Cole Groundwork Contracts; Fiacre O’Donnell, Encirc; Jackson Tuohy, Translink; and Kathryn Donnelly, Clickclick Video Marketing Ltd.
• Responsible Product / Service Award, sponsored by Translink – AG Paving + Building Products; Clickclick Video Marketing Ltd; Coca-Cola HBC; Energy Saving Trust; Express Merchants; McShane Packaging; and Suki Tea Makers.
• Responsible Technology Innovation Award, sponsored by Allstate NI – ABP; Clickclick Video Marketing Ltd; Energy Saving Trust; Express Merchants; Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Technidrive Ltd; and Translink.
• Skills & Education Award, sponsored by Belfast Harbour – AG Wilson Limited; Bank of Ireland; Belfast City Airport; First Derivative; Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Specdrum Ltd; The Irish News; and Translink.
• Wellbeing at Work Award, sponsored by Larne Port – AG Wilson Limited; AMS; ASCERT; Bank of Ireland; Diageo Ireland; FN Research Ltd; Foyle Food Group; GCD Technologies; GRAHAM; and NI Water.

The winners in each category will be announced at a gala event attended by over 600 guests in ICC Belfast on 4 September, sponsored by event partner Fujitsu.

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 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 24 and 25 June where they’ll bring their entry to life by presenting to a panel of three expert judges.

Alongside key sponsor Henry Brothers and event partner Fujitsu, the Awards are delivered in association with 13 category sponsors and media partners Ulster Business, U105 and Consello Group.

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