A total of 11 organisations in Northern Ireland were crowned winners at the 2023 Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland at ICC Belfast, organised by Business in the Community NI (BITC).

And Northern Ireland-based companies were also recognised for holding CORE: The Standard for Responsible Business, since its inception in 2013.

Some 600 guests turned out for the event, which is now in its 18th year.

The awards are run partnership with key sponsor Henry Brothers and event partner JP Corry, along with media partners Ulster Business and U105.

On the night, six companies were lauded for their longstanding commitment to responsible business. Allen & Overy, Belfast Harbour, Henry Brothers, George Best Belfast City Airport, Openreach, and firmus energy have held CORE.

Chris Conway, outgoing chairman of BITC and group chief executive of Translink, said: “These awards are the best platform to bring the great work of Northern Ireland’s responsible businesses into the spotlight and celebrate organisations going beyond profit to make NI a better place to work and live.

“In the 10th year of CORE: The Standard for Responsible Business, it was particularly pertinent to profile those organisations who – despite the changing and challenging landscape of business and government in Northern Ireland over the past few years in particular – have remained committed to integrating responsible business into every avenue of their organisations.

“This is my last year as chairman of BITC, a role I have cherished. My support for everything BITC stands for is unwavering, and as always awards night is a fantastic opportunity to feel inspired by others and challenged to do more within my own organisation. I wish BITC and its members every success for the future.”

Recently recognised at the national Awards Awards as Bronze in Best Longstanding Awards Event, guests at this award-winning gala event enjoyed performances from West End musical spectacular We Will Rock You, with the musical feast created by award-winning producer and Ballyclare native, Paul Boyd.

The winners in 2023 were: • Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Belfast Harbour – Danske Bank • Education Partnership Award, sponsored by Allen & Overy – Almac Group • Climate Action Award, sponsored by Heron Bros – Danske Bank • Collaborative Action Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox – Kier Group • Employer of Choice Award, sponsored by Ulster University – Heron Bros • Impact in Your Community Award, sponsored by SPAR NI – Norbrook Laboratories • Responsible Technology Innovation Award, sponsored by Allstate NI – Ulster University • One-to-Watch Award, sponsored by SONI – Viberoptix • Responsible Product/Service Award, sponsored by Translink – Vyta • Wellbeing at Work Award, sponsored by Larne Port – Graham • Responsible Business Ambassador Award, sponsored by SSE Airtricity – Kellie-Ann Hoey, SHS Group