The British Chambers of Commerce and BUPA are searching for the business that makes a significant contribution to the community in which it operates

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and BUPA are encouraging the UK’s businesses who are most committed to the community to enter this year’s Chamber Awards. Now in its second year, the Chamber Awards 2005 aim to recognise outstanding business achievement within the UK business community.

The ‘Business Commitment to the Community’ award, sponsored by BUPA, will be given to the company that demonstrates an unrivalled level of encouragement to its people in their support of local community initiatives and projects.

Steve Flanagan, commercial director of BUPA, commented:

“Like all organisations, BUPA is part of the communities in which it operates. It draws its customers and employees from the general public, it contributes to local facilities and it affects the social and economic values of the places where it does business. Responsible companies do not only relate to localities at a business level.

They give employee time and skills, as well as financial support to the wider population and particularly those in need. BUPA is looking for a like-minded community focused business to win the BUPA-sponsored Commitment to the Community Award for 2005.”

There are eight different categories of awards and companies can enter as many as they wish. The categories comprise;

• BT Award for Most Promising New Business
• Award for Innovation Through Technology
• Entrepreneur of The Year
• Award for Skill and Workforce Development (New)
• Business Commitment to The Community (New)
• Export Business of the Year
• Export Communicator of the Year
• Business of the Year

The Chamber Awards will be judged in two stages at both a regional and national level and will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on the 24th November 2005.

Each national level finalist has the chance to win the top prize of £25,000 cash for outstanding business achievement, courtesy of Microsoft. Last year this was won by DB Shoes LTD from Rushden, Northamptonshire. The company used database technology to pull itself back from the brink of receivership and enter itself into new and profitable niche markets - even whilst fighting off competition from cheaper overseas competitors.
David Frost, Director General of the BCC commented;

“Giving back to the community is not only a moral duty for many businesses but it also makes sound business practice if done well. Companies can do a great deal for themselves by enhancing their reputation and increasing loyalty from both staff and customers. I’m very excited to hear more from companies that are setting the standards for others to follow across the UK.”

Entry forms and judging criteria can be obtained by visiting www.chamberawards.co.uk. The forms can be downloaded, completed and submitted by email or alternatively printed off and sent by mail. The closing date for all entries is 27th June 2005. The awards are open to any member company of a Chamber of Commerce.

ENDS

For further information or requests for interviews please contact:

Judy Osborn at Purple Rabbit
Tel: 07834 60 20 30
Email: judy.osborn@purplerabbit.co.uk

Notes to the editors:

1. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the authentic voice of British businesses. The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.

2. Set up in 1947, BUPA is a broad-based health and care organisation with a growing international presence. It has 7.8 million customers in 180 countries and 40,000 employees. Its main interests are health insurance, hospitals, care services for older people and young disabled, health assessments, workplace health and childcare services. It also has a network of nurseries for the children of working parents.