DANSKE Bank claimed a record-breaking haul of four of the 10 main awards, including the night's top accolade, at Business in the Community's annual Responsible Business Awards, underlining the corporate responsibility ethos which is embedded across its business
It was named as Northern Ireland's 'Responsible Company of the Year' in front of a 600-strong business audience in the International Convention Centre.
But the bank also won awards in three other categories - Diversity and Inclusion, Wellbeing at Work and Responsible Digital Innovation.
It was the first time in the 14 years of the awards - which are rigorously assessed by independent peers from business and industry experts and which are widely recognised as one of the most respected endorsements of responsible business - that a company has claimed four separate awards.
Danske's chief executive Kevin Kingston said: “It's an absolute honour to be named Responsible Company of the Year. Responsibility is at the very heart of our business strategy. For us, it’s about focusing our time and effort on where we can make positive societal impacts and we do this through a wide range of initiatives and partnerships right across Northern Ireland."
He added: “We're grateful for the contribution our societal partners have made in helping us achieve our goals in the last year. Most importantly, this award is testament to the calibre and dedication of our people – my Danske Bank colleagues, whose commitment to making more possible makes me proud every day.”
Kieran Harding, managing director of Business in the Community, said: “I congratulate every one of our winners, highly commended and short listed entrants for leading the way in responsible business practice
“The standard for entries was phenomenally high and I hope that the achievements of the companies recognised will inspire others on their responsible business journey.
“Business in the Community is proud to be celebrating our 30th anniversary in Northern Ireland, working with some of the most innovative and responsible businesses, and these annual awards showcase and thank those local organisations which are taking responsible business action.”
This year's theme was environmental sustainability, and keynote speaker and international humanitarian Linda Cruse spoke about her experience working alongside some of the world’s most influential figures, companies and foundations to help find solutions to some of the world’s most critical social and environmental problems.
Her passionate account of working on the frontline challenged guests to think about their own contribution to making the world a better place.
Hosted by Barra Best and Tara Mills, guests at the black-tie event were treated to an inspiring showcase of Northern Ireland talent with a bespoke entertainment performances by Peter Corry Productions and pupils from the Belfast School of Performance Arts.
Junk Kouture students also displayed showstopper outfits they’d created entirely from junk materials and which they'd transformed into wearable works of art. The 2019 winners were:
• NI Responsible Company of the Year (sponsored by Heron Bros) – Danske Bank
• Investing in your Community (sponsored by Caterpillar) – Apex Housing Association
• Diversity and Inclusion (sponsored by Legal Island) – Danske Bank
• Education Partner (sponsored by Allen & Overy) – Esri Ireland
• Employability and Jobs (sponsored by Belfast Harbour) – Graham/Farrans joint venture
• Environmental Leadership (sponsored by Arthur Cox) – Ulster University
• Responsible Product/Service (sponsored by Ciena) – Translink
• One-to-Watch (sponsored by Survitec Group) – ABP
• Wellbeing at Work (sponsored by Larne Port) – Danske Bank
• Responsible Digital Innovation (sponsored by Ciena) – Danske Bank
