Durham based business Esh Group is among the final nominees for one of the most prestigious corporate awards programmes, The Responsible Business Awards, run by the charity Business in the Community (BITC).
After announcing the shortlists eight weeks ago, BITC has revealed the top businesses in each category now in the running to be named overall winner at the awards next month.
Located in Bowburn, Esh Group has been named a finalist in the UBS Award for Education category for its ‘Get into STEM’ initiative: a programme which provides free construction-themed kits to primary schools to help tackle the UK’s STEM skills shortage. The kits engage and educate pupils in STEM subjects and careers as well as align with Early Years Foundation Studies and Key Stage 1 learning outcomes.
As one of the largest construction companies in the north of England, Esh Group aims to develop its future workforce, tackling both the gender imbalance and lack of STEM skills in the industry. Since starting the skills initiative the kit has been given to more than 100 schools, including two special schools, engaging over 3,500 students – more than 1,000 of which were female.
As finalists, Esh Group has presented its programme to an expert board level judging panel, with the overall winners announced at BITC’s Annual Responsible Business Gala at the O2 in London on 4 July, supported by Veolia (Responsible Business of the Year 2016).
Jane Wood, Director of Membership and Nations at BITC, said: “It’s great for the region to see Esh Group named as a finalist in the education category for this highly respected awards programme. It is testament to the responsible business activities the business has they have been conducting and, highlights the significant difference the company is making in its local community. I wish them all the best as they proceed to the Responsible Business Gala Dinner.”
This year’s awards attracted over 240 entries from businesses across the country.
Partnering this year’s awards is the Financial Times. Lead sponsors include: Unilever, UBS, The Unipart Group, Hogan Lovells, Fijutsu, Barclays, Aviva, Experian and UPS. For more information and a full list of all finalists, visit www.bitc.org.uk/finalists and follow @BITC on Twitter #BITCawards.
