Responsible firms make it to Dragon Awards shortlist

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A multinational telecommunications company, a leading global bank, and a national education charity are just some of the organisations shortlisted for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards – the Capital’s top responsible business
awards.

The City Corporation, which runs the annual prizegiving, has announced that 20 firms, making a positive difference to society through their responsible business programmes, have made the cut.

Firms of all sizes and sectors made the list, including legal firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP, which has been chosen for its innovative partnership with Micro Rainbow. The company helped Micro Rainbow to open the UK’s first ever safe-house for LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers through volunteer work, financial support and pro bono legal advice.

Since 2017, the partnership has supported 37 homeless LGBT+ asylum seekers into safe housing. Barclays bank has also been shortlisted for its skills programme; Barclays Digital Eagles.

‘Digital Eagles’ provide free training in coding to thousands of children, students and trainee teachers across the UK. The initiative helps young people gain confidence and skills, helping close the digital divide through education around digital tools and technology.

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The Dragon Award: given to those in the City of London who have championed responsible business initiatives

Meanwhile, financial technology firm Refinitiv has been chosen for its initiative TicketAid scheme, which is helping to redefine corporate philanthropy by reducing waste through transforming unused business event tickets into donations.

TicketAid is a corporate ticket allocation website designed to give employees access to exclusive tickets that would otherwise go to waste while raising funds for good causes. Since 2018, more than 4,000 workers have raised over £80,000 for charity.

The Dragon Awards also recognise the work of SMEs, and this year Gate One, K&M McLoughlin Decorating Ltd, Formation Architects, and N-Able have all been shortlisted.

Over the last 32 years, businesses which have applied to the awards have helped over 10million people, mobilising 200,000 business volunteers and giving nearly £250million in donations and in-kind support to London’s communities. All 2019 applicants will be invited to Mansion House in September, where winners will receive a prestigious ‘Dragon’ from Lord Mayor Peter Estlin.

Mr Estlin said: “It’s fantastic to see so many firms putting such tremendous effort into their responsible business programmes and going the extra mile to make a difference to society.

“We have seen such a diverse range of initiatives, from employability and skills projects to tech-driven corporate philanthropy.

“Congratulations to all the firms that have made the shortlist.

“It’s important we continue to shine a light on such effective and successful responsible business work, not only to celebrate these achievements but to encourage other firms to follow suit.”