Planting support harvests accolade
One of the most popular categories at this year's Business Excellence Awards, the honour for Community Contribution, was also one of the hardest fought.
But what made the final shortlisters a cut above the rest was a determination to think laterally, and go above-and-beyond what would normally be expected of simple fund-raising or open days.
And the team from Fareham's TJ Waste and Transport certainly fit the bill.
The committed squad of philanthropists have put together a series of wildly different charity events over the last year, ranging from working with Portsmouth FC, The Beneficial Foundation and the Army to convert a patch of wasteland in Fratton into a set of greenhouses to teach youngsters about horticulture, to raising around 15,000 in a multi-company charity golf day.
Terry Higgins, managing director, said: 'We work in the local community, employ people from the local community, and it's nice to be able to put something back, not just in terms of putting money in, but in terms of the time that's involved.'
A business which took a different approach to giving was property investor Highcross, owner of the North Harbour IBM and 1000 Lakeside sites.
The company has filled the building with sculptures and paintings from local artists, and has encouraged schoolchildren to come along and join the artistic fray.
Nick Turner, director of asset management, Highcross, said: 'We've worked hard to try and integrate ourselves into the community.'
Finally, receiving the highly-commended honour, was Gunwharf Quays, which has gone far beyond what legislation requires to promote recycling.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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