CONSTRUCTION company Henry Brothers has claimed the top award at the 2021 Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland.
The Magherafelt-headquartered firm clinched the NI Responsible Company of the Year accolade.
It was one of 11 awards categories that form part of responsible business network Business in the Community’s annual recognition event which rewards firms in the north which are embracing the journey to build better workforces, create a sustainable economy and healthy communities.
A panel of independent judges awarded Henry Brothers the night's top gong for demonstrating the implementation of a wide range of successful corporate responsibility initiatives that strategically address key issues and challenges in a way that creates value for both society and the business.
Winners in all 11 business categories were announced at a hybrid awards event, hosted in-studio by TV and weather presenter Barra Best and broadcast live across Business in the Community’s digital platforms.
Northern Ireland’s leading responsible companies were recognised for outstanding contributions to their people, the planet and the places where they operate, with categories that cover all themes in responsible business, including wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, environment, community, digital innovation, and more.
Kieran Harding, managing director at Business in the Community, said: “Congratulations to each of the winning organisations for leading the way in responsible business.
“This year has been hugely challenging for a lot of businesses and people in Northern Ireland, so I want to thank our winning, highly commended, and short-listed organisations for continuing to make responsible business action a priority.
“The judging process is robust, and the standard of entries was phenomenally high this year. All winners demonstrated true leadership in the area of responsible business and their entries are sure to inspire others in their own responsible business journey.”
Online attendees of the event enjoyed a community digital showcase highlighting positive stories of business action for the benefit of communities during the past year.
Entertainment pieces included a performance of uplifting original song ‘Calendar’ by Northern Ireland singer Daisie Conway, and a specially commissioned poem ‘Defining Hope’ screened at the event was written and performed by Belfast-based poet Niamh McNally.
The 2021 winners were:
• NI Responsible Company of the Year, sponsored by Asda – Henry Brothers
• Age-Friendly Business Award, sponsored by Age-Friendly Network – Bank of Ireland
• Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Belfast Harbour - AMS
• Education Partnership Award, sponsored by Allen & Overy – Heron Bros
• Environmental Leadership Award, sponsored by Heron Bros – Danske Bank
• Innovation in Employability Award, sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport - Translink
• Investing in Your Community Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox - PwC
• Responsible Digital Innovation Award, sponsored by Allstate NI – Sentireal
• One-to-Watch Award, sponsored by Ciena – Dowds Group
• Responsible Product / Service Award, sponsored by Translink - Huhtamaki
• Wellbeing at Work Award, sponsored by Larne Port – Northern Ireland Water
