Responsible Business Awards
Launched in November 2003, the Annual Awards aim to promote the responsible behaviour of business in Bulgaria. The main objective of the Awards is to give credit to companies with remarkable record in the field of corporate social responsibility and encourage other business representatives to start or further develop socially beneficial activities. The Responsible Business Awards are national and companies across the country, regardless of their size and industry, can be nominated for them.
The Awards are given in five categories:
- Investor in Community - promotes leaders in implementing responsible business practices that benefit long-term social development and well-being.
- Investor in Environment - recognizes the achievements of companies that are active in implementing environmentally friendly policies and products.
- Investor in Human Capital and Working Conditions - acknowledges the successes of companies, which strive for sustainable development through encouraging the continuous professional growth of their employees and that perform practical steps for improving the working conditions for their employees.
- Investor in Education – praises the efforts of companies who work with zeal and determination to fill in the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the Bulgarian educational system. In addition, those companies work towards improving the qualifications of young people and helping the scientific and research activities.
- Award for Cause-related Marketing is given to a company that promotes its products or services and at the same time declares its support to a cause. The support could be monetary - percentage of a product cost for example, but also can be expressed in spreading a good message related to a cause among all clients at large. Thus, consumers not only join the company in its socially responsible behavior, but they can also learn more about the needs of society.
In 2005 BBLF was appointed National Coordinator of the European Business Awards for the Environment of the European Commission. In that capacity, BBLF is authorized to nominate the company, winner in the category “Investor in Environment”, for one of the most prestigious business awards in Europe. Besides, the Forum appoints a Bulgarian representative on the European Awards’ jury.
The European Business Awards for the Environment are given away every two years in four categories:
- Management
- Product
- Technology
- International Co-operation
