A business which has proved to be a real community champion took home a major trophy at the Leicester Mercury Business Awards, sponsored by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Alltruck Plc won the Heart of the Community award - which is sponsored by DMU - in recognition of the work it has done to transform lives through its partnership with charity Leicestershire Cares. As a university for the public good, it is a category which resonates strongly with DMU's ethos.
The award was presented by Professor Cillian Ryan, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at a glittering ceremony in Leicester’s Platinum Suite.
He said: “DMU places great emphasis on the importance of collaboration between business and higher education and through our endeavours we continue to develop graduates with real-world skills, fit for the contemporary workplace.
“The university has a strong public good ethos so it is particularly rewarding to recognise businesses which are helping the community and in doing so, reaping great rewards.”
Alltruck Plc, based in Braunstone Frith, has worked with Leicestershire Cares to provide work placements for school leavers and ex-offenders and also donated its leasing vehicles to community groups and charities.
Alltruck’s finance director, Debbie Halliday, said: “Our employee engagement programme through Leicestershire Cares has improved employability skills for school students and we have done a lot of placements for ex-offenders. It’s something we are very proud of.”
Runners-up were the Hinckley and Rugby Building Society, which was nominated for the charitable efforts of its 122 staff – as well as introducing a bank account which allows savers to donate interest to local hospices.
The Exchange Bar, in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, was also nominated for its charity work and its move to create a community space which it offers free to local organisations.
Leicester Mercury Business Editor Ian Griffin said: “It’s a fantastic celebration of business success in Leicestershire and the East Midlands – we’ve had 850 people at the event and there have been so many deserving winners.”
The Learning Support Centre – which provides vital support to DMU students with physical and learning difficulties – won the Services Award. Laura Cook, its director, set up the business while working at DMU helping students 10 years ago.
She said: “This is a real reward for us, it’s such a great endorsement of what we do and we’re thrilled!”
Photo credit: Will Johnston
Posted on Saturday 25 April 2015