COMMUNITY involvement and promoting the use of low-emission vehicles proved crucial factors for the winner of the Socially Responsible Business of the year Award.

The awards judges were impressed with the story of York vehicle hire company Autohorn.

They said they had learned how the company was better serving the local community, and about its commitment to supporting charities, its care for the environment through its use and promotion of electric vehicles and its support for the local economy through its supply chain.

It also fosters a culture within the organisation that encourages staff to engage in activities that help to shape better communities.

The judges also heard about future plans that include a move to a new site at Clifton Moor that is completely sustainable and eco-friendly.

Scott Jenkins, sales and operations director at Autohorn, said: “It’s hugely important. Evenings like tonight make a big difference to companies like us. We have been around for a long time, to get some kind of recognition for what we put into our community and our area is very important to us.” He said Autohorn had 65 staff members, all from York.

Autohorn has sponsored York Racecourse for the past two years, and earlier this year sponsored the Autohorn Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge. Its community efforts include fundraising, having raised £5,500 for Macmillan Cancer support in 2015, which it expected to exceed for York Against Cancer this year.

In May it joined a Government initiative pledging to increase the number of electric vehicles on the roads. As one of the first Go Ultra Low companies it aims to make five per cent of its fleet electric vehicles by 2020.

The Partners Group also impressed with the way a culture has been created that allows all staff to engage in community projects and charity work.

The judges commended the speed at which Energi Trampoline Park York has developed and made a positive impact on the local community.