The rapidly growing telecoms business won the Westfield Health sponsored award because of what the judges described as “an excellent approach to corporate responsibility within their community and with their staff.”
Chess Telecom has a dedicated Green Team in the business to focus it on making change and continually reducing the impact it has on the environment. This includes its decision to move to a web-based billing service for customers which now results in the saving of over three tons of paper per year. This was a key factor for the judges when they were making their decision.
Jill Davies, Chief Executive of Westfield Health said: “For many businesses the contribution they make to their community stops at the payment of taxes or salaries to employees. The winner of this award sees its role in much broader terms. It shows us that seeking to improve the environment in which you operate is not just a moral obligation but a business opportunity too.”
Chess Telecom will now go through to national judging and the chance to win the top prize of £50,000, courtesy of Royal Bank of Scotland. The National Winners of the Chamber Awards 2008 will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Natural History Museum in London on the November 27th.
Commenting on the announcement Angie Robinson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “Business today is not just about profit and the economy. We all need to take our impact on the environment, seriously. The activities of the business community are key factors in the sustainability issue. Chess is to be congratulated for showing us all the positive steps you can take in this area.”
Chess Telecom Chief Executive, David Pollock was delighted to win the award, the first for the business in recognition of its green work following its achievement ISO14001 accreditation for environmental management in September 2008.
“I strongly believe that as a successful business it is our duty to be socially and environmentally responsible,” he said. “As the famous quote goes, we don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors – we borrow it from our children and we owe it to them to play our part. Small, easy changes to everyday business practices can make a big difference and this award shows us that we are on the right track.”