PD Ports has been recognised with a ‘Big Tick’ as part of the prestigious Responsible Business Awards 2014, which are run by the charity Business in the Community.
The Big Tick is the first level of accolade in the Responsible Business Awards, the UK’s longest-running and most respected awards scheme recognising businesses that are making a positive difference to society and to the environment.
PD Ports achieved the Big Tick in the Inspiring Young Talent category which aims to recognise businesses that address youth unemployment and the UK skills gap by using either ‘youth friendly’ recruitment practices, inspiring work experience programmes or accessible routes to successful working lives such as apprenticeships.
The scheme awarded, the High Tide Summer Scheme, provides school leavers with two weeks of work experience with businesses in and around Teesport which helps to highlight the opportunities available in their local area. Set up by PD Ports and Casper Shipping, the High Tide Foundation aims to raise aspirations of young people in the area. This scheme allows these young people to participate in a two week activity that will help them progress in their chosen career through the support of their local community.
David Robinson, CEO of the PD Ports Group said: “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded a Big Tick for the High Tide Summer Scheme. It’s thanks to the support of businesses in Teesside as well as the wider community that we’ve been awarded a Big Tick. The High Tide Foundation is the first of its kind in that it is a true private sector collaboration, businesses have come together to improve the future of young people.
“We’ve developed such great links with local schools which has helped us achieve our goals in improving young people’s knowledge of the river and what careers are available in industry. It’s a great team effort which has enabled us to achieve this Big Tick and I am happy to see the businesses on Teesside pulling together to help a common cause. The future aim for the High Tide Foundation with the help of the local community is to continue to grow and expand the numerous schemes to reach more young people in the area.”
PD Ports was presented with its Big Tick trophy at the North East Responsible Business Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday 25 June at Gosforth Park Marriott.
Commenting, Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: “All year round, responsible businesses across the UK are contributing towards more resilient communities, stimulating local economies, creating diverse, skilled and healthy workforces and addressing skills shortages – yet these activities rarely get attention. The Responsible Business Awards shine a much needed spotlight on the powerful impact of business. Each of the companies recognised are playing their part to build a new contract between business and society and a more sustainable future for us all. I congratulate PD Ports for its Big Tick, which is a powerful symbol of business doing more to bring about change.”
For further information about the impact and background to the 2014 successful Award stories, visit www.bitc.org.uk/awardstories.
