By Fay Treloar, Director of External Engagement at York St John University

At York St John University, we really are excited to be sponsor of a new award of the 2016 York Press Business Awards for the category ‘Socially Responsible Business of the Year’, particularly as we celebrate our 175th year as a learning institution and have also recently received the Social Enterprise Gold Mark in Excellence.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to champion socially responsible business within the region.

The award will recognise the outstanding efforts that companies have made to do business responsibly and will enable our local companies to showcase and receive recognition for truly innovative strategies that are leading examples of social responsibility and sustainability. This will also be a celebration of some of the amazing stories which demonstrate the impact of business contribution on our communities.

York Business School, based at York St John University, continues to push the boundaries by aspiring to reach the highest standards in business education. The school is fully embracing the United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) programme, which is having a major influence on the School’s thinking, curriculum design, research and dialogue with the business community. Ethical business and active citizenship are areas which we are incredibly passionate about as a university. The awards will be a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the powerful role business plays in creating a fairer society and more sustainable future.

We really do take great pride in judging and wish all of the entrants the very best of luck. We will also look forward to celebrating the success with our first award winners at the awards ceremony in November.