A multinational telecommunications company, a leading global bank, and a national education charity are just some of the organisations shortlisted for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards – the capital’s top responsible business awards.
The City of London Corporation, which runs the Awards, has announced that 20 firms, making a positive difference to society through their responsible business programmes, have made the cut.
Firms of all sizes and sectors made the list, including:
Legal firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP, which has been chosen for its innovative partnership with Micro Rainbow. It helped Micro Rainbow to open the UK’s first ever safe-house for LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers through volunteer work, financial support and pro bono legal advice. Since 2017, the partnership has supported 37 homeless LGBT+ asylum seekers into safe housing.
Barclays bank has been shortlisted for its digital skills programme Barclays Digital Eagles. Their “Digital Eagles” provide free training in coding to thousands of children, students and trainee teachers across the UK. The initiative helps young people gain confidence and skills, helping close the digital divide through education around digital tools and technology.
Financial technology firm Refinitiv has been chosen for its initiative TicketAid, which is helping to redefine corporate philanthropy by reducing waste through transforming unused business event tickets into donations. TicketAid is a corporate ticket allocation website designed to give employees access to exclusive tickets that would otherwise go to waste whilst raising funds for some fantastic charities. Since 2018, more than 4,000 workers have raised over £80,000 for charity.
The Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards also recognises the work of SME’s. This year SME’s Gate One, K&M McLoughlin Decorating Ltd, Formation Architects and N- Able, have all been shortlisted for an award.
Over the last 32 years, businesses which have applied to the Awards have helped over 10 million people, mobilising 200,000 business volunteers and giving nearly £250 million in donations and in-kind support to London’s communities.
Applicants for this year’s Awards have supported 2,511,004 people across the UK, and provided over £31,900,000 in support their local communities, charities and enterprises.
They mobilised 54,170 business volunteers who contributed over 194,131 hours to community groups, schools and individuals across the UK.
Previous Award winners have reported winning new contracts, improved internal relationships, stronger reputations and increased PR as a result of being recognised with an award.
All applicants will be invited to The Mansion House in September where the winners will receive a prestigious ‘Dragon’ from Peter Estlin, the Lord Mayor of the City of London.
