Business of the Year Awards: Search is on for the South West’s sustainability stars

The South West’s very best businesses are to be showcased with the return of Business of the Year Awards and TheBusinessDesk.com is encouraging entries for the Sustainability category.

The Sustainability category will showcase achievements including net zero strategies, sustainable supply chains and eco-friendly packaging, waste management, and green innovation.

Last year, Zeal Hotels fought off stiff competition from five other companies  – Frobishers Juices, Grace & Green, Luminous Energy Group, Solarsense, and Wanderlands to be crowned the winner.

Earlier this year, Zeal delivered the UK’s first branded Net Zero Carbon hotel – the 4-star vocoZeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park.

The £22m project resulted in a 100% electric hotel, with the UK’s first vertical photovoltaic cladding system generating more solar energy each year than the building consumes.

The scheme has been described as ‘an exemplar for all new-build hotels’.

Tim Wheeldon, founding director, Zeal Hotels, said: “We were honoured to be recognised for our contribution to sustainability at last year’s Business of the Year Awards. Our goal at Zeal Hotels is not only to provide guests with a sustainable option when travelling but to inspire the rest of the hotel sector.

“Winning this prestigious award helps us to raise our profile and spread the sustainable word.”

There are 14 categories designed to recognise and celebrate the whole range of businesses in the region, from start-ups to exporters and from innovators to businesses going the extra mile to make a positive impact on their local community.

Those with exceptional reputations as good employers will also be championed.

Supported by headline partners accountancy group PwC, law firm Michelmores and Partners&, the awards boast a rigorous judging process, with all companies entering visited by members of the judging panel.

Shortlisted companies will then on be invited to pitch, with the winners revealed at a high-profile black-tie awards evening on 13 November at the Harbour Hotel in Bristol.

The awards are free, simple and quick to enter – click here to visit the Business of the Awards website.

The deadline for entries is Friday 2 May.