It’s important for all businesses to take their social responsibilities seriously, and the Positive Impact in the Community Award at the EDP Business Awards recognises firms that are committed to making a difference. Denise Hone, senior stakeholder and community engagement manager at sponsor Vattenfall, tells us more.
Why were you keen to get involved in the Business Awards?
Vattenfall is working with businesses of all sizes in Norfolk and across East Anglia and will be operating here as part of the business community for more than 30 years. We want to celebrate and encourage ambitious enterprises thriving, innovating, creating employment and training new skills in communities.
What do you bring to the judging process?
I represent a global energy company, but I am Norfolk born and bred and am incredibly proud of our region and its business and enterprise profile.
My experience, from small businesses to an international corporate environment, gives me a broad view to appreciate the challenges businesses face in rural areas.
What have your previous experiences of judging been like?
I was a judge for last year’s Business Awards in the Environmental & Sustainability category. It was such a positive experience. I am prepared to be blown away again by the quality of entries revealing the incredible work and inspiring cultures in Norfolk workplaces that we don’t necessarily know about.
Do you have any anecdotes of moments that changed your business strategy?
My family life and bringing up two young children in the region has made me reflect on what is important, and how businesses have a responsibility outside their own focus to be part of creating a better world in a fast-changing environment in every sense.
What will you be looking for in the winner?
Businesses that live and breathe their values and have those values embedded throughout their entire culture. A business that has proven its commitment to do good and make a positive difference, and it is a priority that runs throughout its business.
What advice would you give to a business that’s considering entering?
Be bold and go for it. Too many businesses are humble and hide their brilliance because they do what they do naturally and don’t think they are special. Many of the most mind-blowing businesses don’t recognise it themselves.
The deadline for entries to the EDP Business Awards 2023 is July 16. To enter the Positive Impact in the Community Award category, please visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk
To find out more about all the categories, please click here.
Award criteria
In an everchanging world, we come across challenges that push businesses to innovate and adapt for the good of the wider community.
Have you changed the products or services you are producing to benefit a crisis, or lent your team to assist elsewhere?
The judges will not only be looking at how you plan to create a positive impact, but what you currently do or have done in the last six months to put it in place.
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