These Awards – run by responsible business network Business in the Community (BITCNI) in partnership with key sponsor Henry Brothers – reward and recognise businesses large and small and from every sector in Northern Ireland on their exceptional corporate responsibility action. The Awards are free to enter, businesses can enter as many categories as they like, and winners will be announced at the Awards gala event on 5 September at ICC Belfast.

The 13 Awards categories cover a range of themes including diversity, wellbeing, climate, technology, partnerships, and community impact. An individual will be recognised as the 2024 Responsible Business Ambassador and a top prize is awarded to the 2024 NI Responsible Company of the Year.

Two new categories have been introduced in 2024: the Nature & Biodiversity Award for the organisation that best demonstrates a significant commitment and contribution to improving biodiversity and the natural environment in Northern Ireland; and the Skills & Education Award, for the organisation that best demonstrates how its actions have helped inspire and support young people (aged 4-19) and/or people facing barriers to work to develop the skills they need for a successful working life.

Vicky Davies, Chair, Business in the Community said: “These Awards provide a platform to showcase and celebrate the most innovative and inspirational responsible businesses.

“As the only Awards dedicated to responsible business in NI, this is a unique opportunity for leaders in all areas of corporate responsibility to be recognised and rewarded for going beyond profit to be a force for good for society and the environment, and its serves as a way to inspire others to follow suit.”

The full list of Awards up-for-grabs is as follows:

• NI Responsible Company of the Year Award sponsored by Encirc
• Climate Action Award sponsored by Heron Energy
• Collaborative Action Award sponsored by Arthur Cox
• Diversity & Inclusion Award sponsored by Belfast Harbour
• Employer of Choice Award sponsored by Ulster University
• Impact in your Community Award sponsored by SPAR NI
• Nature & Biodiversity Award sponsored by SONI
• One-To-Watch Award sponsored by Danske Bank
• Responsible Business Ambassador sponsored by SSE Airtricity
• Responsible Product/Service Award sponsored by Translink
• Responsible Technology Innovation Award sponsored by Allstate NI
• Skills & Education Award sponsored by Allen & Overy
• Wellbeing at Work Award sponsored by Larne Port

The Awards take place in partnership with key sponsor Henry Brothers, event partner JP Corry, and in association with Ulster Business, U105 and Lanyon Communications.

Ian Henry, CSR Director, Henry Brothers said: “Henry Brothers is firmly committed to promoting sustainability, not just within our own organisation but throughout the wider business community.

“With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that Henry Brothers will be the key sponsor of the Responsible Business Awards for 2024 for the third year running.

“Having previously been named NI Responsible Company of the Year, Henry Brothers has continued to go from strength to strength as a truly sustainable and future-proofed business.

“Entering these awards offers local companies across a range of industries and sectors an invaluable opportunity to showcase and build upon their efforts to enhance their sustainability credentials and promote good business practice, and I would like to encourage all eligible businesses to submit their application before the 26 April closing date.”

Visit www.bitcni.org.uk/awards to enter and to find out more about the category criteria and changes to the entry process in 2024, or to sign up for the ‘How to make a great Awards entry’ webinar, taking place 10:00 – 10:30 am on 20 February.