As S Harrison Developments Ltd signs up to sponsor the 2013 Press Business Awards Lifetime Achievement category, managing director Ann Scott explains how business awards make a difference, and how inspiring leadership deserves recognition and reward.

Winning two awards in the Press Business Awards 2012 meant an immense amount to the whole Harrison team. Anyone who has entered an award category or attended the splendid awards dinner will know the unique buzz that surrounds The Press Business Awards. This year I expect that sense of excitement to be just as intoxicating as ever.

For us – a locally based business with a regional and national operation – recognition amongst our peers counts for a lot.

We like to think we make a positive difference in the city. Bringing investment to improve the city’s architecture, providing good spaces for people to live and work and do business, is vital if York is to maintain its economic vibrancy and keep the character which makes it such a special place.

Winning the Think Green award last year in recognition of our work especially on our own headquarters building at The Chocolate Works and the £32 million new council HQ at West Offices was great. Sustainability is about being there and doing it right for the long term and that is what we are committed to. What has also thrilled us is that our work, in partnership with City of York Council and other York businesses, has gone on to be recognised more broadly. West Offices has won national acclaim – and awards – for its green credentials, its design, its respect for heritage and its commercial soundness.

So with long term in mind, we’re especially delighted to be sponsors of the Lifetime Achievement award this year. It’s great to be joining The Press in identifying and singling out for praise those who have made a real contribution to the vibrancy and success of the business community over the years.

Particularly in tough times, business leaders can find themselves forced to concentrate on the immediate – the day-to-day survival process. Successful businesses, and successful cities for that matter, are those whose leaders can both drive the day-to-day management but who also have the vision and the inspiration and see the bigger picture – to understand where the pressures of today fit into the longer term future. Successful leaders inspire their colleagues to hold onto the bigger vision, and give them with the tools and the freedom to achieve.

Business doesn’t work in isolation, and really good leaders engage with others outside their own sphere to ensure that the community as a whole gains from the success of the commercial organisations within it.

I’ve a special admiration for those who can do this in the long term – whose achievement in the business community is a lifetime one.

York and North Yorkshire has more than its fair share of inspirational leaders whose lifetime commitment helps the city, and its business community, to thrive. There will be no shortage of candidates for this year’s Lifetime Achievement award.