Suffolk: Ipswich Building Society shortlisted in BITC Responsible Business Awards

Ipswich Building Society has been shortlisted for Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards in the Responsible Small Business of the Year category, sponsored by Santander.

It is the second year in a row the society has been nominated in the category, having been highly commended in the 2013 awards.

The award commends and recognises small businesses which demonstrate a well-rounded and responsible approach to business in the areas of community, environment, marketplace and workplace.

Activities undertaken by the Ipswich Building Society this year have included increasing levels of financial literacy for primary school children through the Money Days school programme and free “My Puppy: Maths and Money” app, as well as tackling levels of homelessness in the East of England, working with charity partners to challenge preconceptions and raise awareness of the issue.

Ipswich Building Society’s programme will be presented to a panel of judges, with the winner being announced on July 8. In total 60 companies have been shortlisted across all the categories in this year’s awards.

Paul Winter, Ipswich Building Society chief executive, said: “Our aim at the Ipswich Building Society is to become the UK’s most socially responsible building society, so it’s heartening to see our efforts being recognised.

“In a time when there is a pressing need for a more responsible and accountable financial services business model, it is our duty to go above and beyond the regulatory and contractual requirements of our business.

“Corporate responsibility isn’t an add-on at Ipswich; it is interwoven into our business model and is at the core of everything we do.”