Santander sponsors CSR award for small companies
06 July 2011
Santander was the sponsor of the Small Company of the Year category at this year's Business in the Community Awards for Excellence. The awards recognise and celebrate those companies who have shown a commitment to corporate responsibility.
The Santander Small Company of the Year Award was won by Maloney's Retail Stores who picked up the accolade for their commitment to corporate social responsibility, specifically their Community Plan initiative which identifies ways the company can sustainably benefit the community. Nearly 40% of profits were ploughed back into community initiatives last year.
Steve Pateman, Executive Director, Corporate, Commercial and Business Banking presented Maloney's with their award and said, "Santander recognises the importance of small companies to our economy and awards such as these help to highlight the best in the sector. Maloney's have a great approach to responsible business and work in partnership with their community to deliver excellence which has a demonstrable impact on their business success."
The Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, sponsored by Unilever Company of the Year 2010, took place on Tuesday 5 July at the Royal Albert Hall. The event, hosted by comedian Jack Dee and BBC news presenter Mishal Husain, recognises and celebrates those companies that have shown innovation, creativity and a sustained commitment to corporate responsibility.
The sponsorship of the Small Company of the Year Award is a key element of Santander UK's Regional Investment and Support Programme, launching later this year. This will see Santander invest in high growth SMEs and support local enterprise and community projects to create jobs, inspire the entrepreneurs of the future and turbo boost a private sector led recovery.