BIBAs set to reward community spirit

The Be Inspired Business Awards, the BIBAs, has confirmed it is introducing an Excellence in Corporate Citizenship prize this year, supported by the Community Foundation for Lancashire.

It will recognise the achievements of businesses which go above and beyond to deliver benefits whether social, economic or environmental to communities outside of the business.

The BIBAs opens for applications on Tuesday, January 26, with 18 prizes up for grabs for firms from across Lancashire.

Karen Morris, of award sponsors the Community Foundation for Lancashire, said: “Through our work, we see individuals and businesses across Lancashire who do more than just contribute to the economy and secure jobs. There are businesses who are involved in initiatives which deliver environmental benefits, support enterprise among our young people or work to improve the community within which they are based.

“This type of corporate social responsibility is exactly what this new award from the BIBAs aims to celebrate and, hopefully by highlighting the real benefits which are delivered from this work, inspire others to do the same.” Today, the winners of last year’s BIBAs will attend a masterclass by Mark Adlestone, the Fylde coast based chairman of national jewellers’ chain, Beaverbrooks, as part of the BIBAs Academy – a series of masterclasses, and networkings held at Lancaster University Management School.

He will talk about his personal and corporate philosophy which focuses on values and ethical behaviour, arguing business should be a force for good, encouraging philanthropy and community engagement within a corporate environment.

The BIBAs Academy is a series of masterclasses, workshops and network held at Lancaster University Management School, and will see television presenter and entrepreneur Loyd Grossman and Edwin Booth, the chairman of Lancashire-headquartered supermarket chain, Booths, host masterclasses.