The boss of Southwold brewers Adnams is to continue as the Prince’s Ambassador in the East of England for another year.

Dr Andy Wood, who is chief executive for the pubs and brewing firm and a past chairman of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), was originally appointed to the prestigious post in 2014.

The announcement was made as part of the East of England Responsible Business Awards event, which took place on June 9 and was run by the charity Business in the Community, the Prince’s Responsible Business Network.

This year is the 30th anniversary of The Prince of Wales Presidency of Business in the Community (BITC). Every year, the Prince of Wales personally appoints an inspirational business figure in each of the UK’s regions and nations to represent the responsible business movement and inspire other businesses in the region to take action to address key issues.

Ambassadors are chosen for their personal impact and for demonstrating leadership within their own business. In a video played to guests at the Responsible Business Gala, HRH The Prince of Wales said: “During my time as President of Business in the Community, I have learnt that almost every positive action that business takes is driven by dedicated individuals. My ambassadors embody the type of individual action and bold leadership that creates change. They are so effective because they lead by example, and because they use their business leadership skills and their network of contacts to mobilise support from business in areas that need it the most.”

Dr Wood was chair of the East of England Regional Advisory Board between 2009 and 2013 and in that time ensured business support for a number of programmes including Ready for Work and Business Action on Public Health. He has maintained a key presence in the development of BITC’s regional project to support ex-offenders and has championed responsible business among member companies.

He will lead on talent and skills development in the region and will use the platform of HRH Ambassador to support skills and education in the East of England, and work to support ex-servicemen.

The East of England Responsible Business Gala celebration was attended by representatives from the region’s leading businesses and was hosted by Coleridge Community College.

It was one of series of events taking place across the UK throughout June, sponsored by the 2014 Responsible Business of the Year National Grid.

National Grid chief executive Steve Holiday said: “We believe business must do more than just the day job. At National Grid, I’m proud that our work, and our people, underpin the prosperity and wellbeing of society. By embedding responsible business into our decision-making, we aim to inspire for the future, design great solutions and preserve what we all value; helping to create not only successful businesses but also thriving communities. But we can’t do this alone, which is why these awards are so crucial.”

Overall award-winning companies will be announced in London at Business in the Community’s Annual Responsible Business Gala Dinner on July 7.