Firms running a national campaign to boost numeracy skills, a children’s radio podcast and a scheme supporting refugees into employment have been shortlisted in London’s top responsible business awards.
Fourteen companies are in the running in the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards, held by the City of London Corporation to recognise firms which go the extra mile to benefit society.
Winners in five categories will be announced at the first in-person Dragon Awards since 2019, to be held in September at The Mansion House – the Lord Mayor of London’s official residence.
This year’s awards have a particular focus on companies promoting socio-economic diversity, a key theme of Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny’s year in office.
Lord Mayor of the City of London Vincent Keaveny said:
“These companies are all doing fantastic work to benefit communities through their responsible business programmes.
“It’s heartening to see the innovative and creative ways in which firms have harnessed their resources, time and skills to power schemes which make a real difference to people’s lives.
“I look forward to welcoming the shortlisted candidates to The Mansion House in September, for a celebration of the extraordinary efforts of companies across London and beyond to make a difference to society.”
The Dragon Awards are organised by Heart of the City, the City Corporation-funded charity which supports hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises with their responsible business programme.
More information about the Dragon Awards is at www.dragonawards.org.uk
Shortlisted candidates: ‘We are very excited to be shortlisted”
Children’s radio station Fun Kids launched its weekly Activity Quest podcast at the start of Covid to provide daily activities to entertain children at home and help them learn.
Fun Kids Managing Director Gregory Watson said: “We are very excited to be shortlisted for a Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award. Reaction to the podcast has been incredible, with many parents thanking us for providing a range of activities to keep their young ones engaged and entertained.”
Professional services firm KPMG worked with the charity National Numeracy, supporting National Numeracy Day, which encourages adults and children to build their confidence and skills with numbers.
Roisin Murphy and Roisin Sharkey, Directors and Co-heads of Corporate Responsibility at KPMG UK, said: “Numeracy is a vital building block helping improve social mobility, and in light of the cost of living crisis, it’s more important than ever for people to have the number confidence they need to navigate day-to-day life.”
Grant Thornton UK LLP is shortlisted for its work with the refugee employability charity Breaking Barriers supporting refugees into meaningful employment.
Jenn Barnett, Head of Inclusion & Diversity, Environment and Sustainability at Grant Thornton, said: “Being named as a finalist for the Inclusive Employment Award is testament to a truly collaborative team effort. Alongside Breaking Barriers, we help refugees in the UK to increase their employability confidence and ensure no one is left out of the conversation around talent.”
Shortlisted candidates in full
Boosting Social Impact Award
– Barrington Hibbert Associates – Social Impact Approach
– Standard Chartered – Futuremakers, supporting disadvantaged young people to learn new skills
– Hogan Lovells – supporting leading black innovators
Community Partners Award
– KPMG and National Numeracy – National Numeracy Day
– Morgan Stanley and NSPCC – The Lighthouse safe space for children who have been abused
– Urban Synergy – youth empowerment charity
Heart of the City Award
– Fun Kids – Activity Quest weekly podcast from UK children’s radio station
– Signature Recruitment – Professional Mentoring Programme
– WRAP – architectural practice giving young people a voice through regeneration projects
Inclusive Employment Award
– David Miller Architects – virtual design academy offering real world work experience
– Grant Thornton UK LLP – supporting refugees into meaningful employment
– New Square Chambers – promoting inclusive employment
Lord Mayor’s Award – advancing socio-economic diversity in business
– Accenture – Accenture Technology UK&I Social Mobility
– Santander – Helping All People to Prosper
