The finalists for the Positive Impact in the Community award, sponsored by RWE, have been announced at the EDP Business Awards 2024.
Here, we find out more about the progressive firms that make up this year's finalists.
Aylsham and District Care Trust
Founded in 1985, Aylsham & District Care Trust (ACT) is a registered charity that offers a range of services, including day care at its Aylsham hub and CQC registered care delivered into the community.
It also operates a café, lunch clubs and a meal delivery service.
ACT upholds a strong sustainability policy and offers advice on how individuals can reduce their environmental impact.
The judges said that the team at ACT has “so much to congratulate themselves for”.
From the moment they enter the hub, visitors are made to feel welcome and the judges enjoyed learning about the charity’s “legacy of supporting the community” from staff and volunteers that “ooze passion”.
Crane Garden Buildings
Crane Garden Buildings is a family-run business in Narford offering high-quality timber garden buildings for customers across the UK.
Beginning as a DIY shop, Crane now has more than 110 employees, 14 show centres and 22 core buildings.
The Crane Citizenship Committee allocates 1pc of the company’s turnover per year to charitable causes, and Crane also runs local events.
The judges called Crane “a really wonderful business that has its clients’ interests at heart”. They said the events that the company holds “allow the community to bond”, and concluded by saying that “from the training to staff incentives, this company showcases true care for all employees”.
Norfolk Health & Fitness
Norfolk Health & Fitness in Norwich provides a comprehensive range of health and fitness qualifications and services in the Norfolk area.
Based in a state-of-the-art facility, services include personal training, group fitness classes and specialised programmes.
In addition, the business regularly hosts workshops, fitness challenges and health awareness events for the local community, and partners with local schools, businesses and healthcare providers.
Recognising founder Kevin Mantle’s commitment to helping the community, the judges enjoyed hearing about all that he has done to go above and beyond what is expected of a small business.
They said he is “truly an inspiration” and “should be enormously proud of what has been achieved”.
Norwich Theatre
Norwich Theatre runs a programme of live performance and creative engagement activities to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
It is governed by an independent charitable trust and receives no regular public subsidy, generating its income through tickets sales, commercial activities and fundraising.
Its Take Part programme uses creative activity to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, alongside training and skills development opportunities.
Norwich Theatre exceeded the expectations of the judges in its community outreach initiatives. They explained it is apparent that the theatre’s team has “a desire to make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience theatre regardless of where they are in the community”.
To find out more about the EDP Business Awards 2024 and book your tickets for the awards ceremony on November 28 at the Norfolk Showground, visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk
To find out more about all the finalists, please click here.
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