RESPONSIBLE businesses including Swindon's Phoenix Enterprises are hoping to be recognised in a new category in the Wiltshire Business Awards.

In 2018 there will be a Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsivity (CSR) Business Award to recognises businesses which are ‘giving back’ to the community, place and environment they operate in.

Sponsors Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise (SWLEP) are now looking for some CSR heroes to enter.

Jo Minnaar, SWLEP’s growth hub manager and award judge, said: “There are some really great pockets of responsible business practices happening around Swindon and Wiltshire and we would encourage them to come forward and enter the award.

"The category is open to all types of business including start-ups, locally based charities and social enterprises.

"We’ve also launched the CSR Hub on the relaunched Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub for these local heroes to promote the work they are doing”

Small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as wider societal benefits, can hope for business benefits including increased employee engagement and retention because of more equitable internal practices; better external relations through the support of community activities; improved operating costs through environmental measures; and a more respected brand reputation.

Phoenix Enterprises and Quench, an interactive hub in Salisbury that empowers young adults to solve social issues through enterprise, are just two of the many local social enterprises.

Minke Beviss, development manager of Quench, said: “We have seen that social entrepreneurship is a powerful way of solving social and environmental issues whilst having a lasting impact and building up communities in a sustainable way.

"Therefore, our vision is for Wiltshire to be an inspirational county that’s known for its social enterprises, young leaders, exciting job opportunities and a thriving economy.”

Quench also provide co-working space and a café which is available to hire.

Another social enterprise in the area is Swindon day centre Phoenix Enterprises, where adults experiencing mental health problems can feel included and receive one-to-one training.

Members provide work on mail and product assembly for businesses in the area.

For more information about the awards visit www.wiltshirebusinessawards.co.uk