This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish dimension on business award scheme
21/11/2002
A new awards scheme to find Scotland's most socially responsible companies has been announced.
The Community Impact Awards Scotland brings a Scottish focus to the existing UK 'Awards for Excellence'.
The scheme will benefit from £15,000 in sponsorship from Communities Scotland.
Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran said:
"Corporate social responsibility is about organisations thinking and acting to make a positive impact on society. Economic prosperity and social justice go hand in hand and the private sector's role in regeneration is vital.
"The Executive's overarching objectives focus on accelerated growth, sustainable economic development and closing the opportunity gap. I want to see a Scotland where businesses are responsive to their staff, investors and the general public.
"These new awards with their specific Scottish focus will encourage participation from small to medium sized enterprises who demonstrate corporate responsible practices."
'Awards for Excellence' was started by Business in the Community five years ago to encourage and reward companies that have made a positive impact on society. Next year, the scheme will expand to include regional and area heats to recognise the best local examples across the UK.
Margaret Curran will attend a Scottish Business in the Community dinner in Glasgow. Other attendees include representatives from Scottish Enterprise, The Boots Company, Marks and Spencers, Scottish Power, Diageo, Tesco, Sainsburys, BAE Systems and others.
ScottishPower won one of the UK Awards For Excellence earlier this year. The company has a wide-ranging community investment programme in the UK. It invests in education and youth employment programmes, economic development projects.