Timpson becomes ‘responsible business’ ambassador
CHIEF executive of the family-owned Timpson shoe, key cutting, watch and photographic chain, James Timpson, has been named the Prince of Wales’ Responsible Business Ambassador in the North West.
The award was presented at the 2015 Responsible Business Awards run by the chairty Business in the Community, held at the Imperial War Museum North at Salford Quays.
Ths year marks the 30th anniversary of the Prince of Wales’ presidency of BITC and in a video played to more than 250 guests at the event, he said: “During my time as President of Business in the Community, I have learnt that almost every positive action that business takes is driven by dedicated individuals.
“My ambassadors embody the type of individual action and bold leadership that creates change. They are so effective because they lead by example, and because they use their business leadership skills and network of contacts to mobilise support from business in areas that need it the most.”
In his role at the helm of Timpson Ltd, James Timpson has made a huge commitment to supporting, training and employing ex-offenders within the business.
He also encourages other business leaders to look at the issue of employing ex-offenders – he chairs the Employers Forum for Reducing Reoffending, which brings businesses together to help stop reoffending.
Timpson said: “It’s a huge honour to be appointed as the Prince’s Ambassador for Responsible Business. BITC has made real headway when it comes to helping ex-offenders get back into work, which drastically reduces the chances of reoffending. One of my priorities in this role will be to encourage other businesses in the North West to get involved with BITC’s brilliant employability programmes.”
Raksha Pattni, Area West director for BITC, said: “We are very pleased to welcome James as The Prince’s Ambassador in the North West.
“James is a very well respected member of the business community in the North West and has made great progress in supporting ex-offenders in particular. He will be a fantastic person to inspire other companies locally to reap the benefits of responsible business practice.”
Six companies from the North West go forward as overall finalists to BITC’s Annual Responsible Business Gala Dinner in London on July 7. They are: DWF – School Partnership Award; Manchester Airport Group – Freshfields Work Inclusion Award; The Calico Group – Freshfields Work Inclusion Award; Electricity North West – Engaging Customers on Sustainability Award; Booths – Rural Action Award; Tebay and Gloucester Services – Rural Action Award.
