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Awards

Business in the Community's 2011 Awards for Excellence - Skills in the Workplace

Lakehouse scooped the overall Example of Excellence prize in the Skills in the Workplace category at the annual Awards for Excellence on 5 July, beating off stiff competition from John Lewis and Costain Group. Lakehouse's award winning initiative, 'Lakehouse - Learning World' was recognised by judges for a well defined embedded programme with good employer benefits, and proven positive outcomes for Lakehouse and the wider society. Turnover has grown by 50% year on year for the past two financial years, and increased training has helped to improve staff retention, currently at 90%. The company's Building Lives project engages at least 100 disadvantaged people a year, and trains 40 of these individuals in a recognised maintenance qualification, providing successful graduates with guaranteed employment. Its 'Women in Construction' courses are offered to not only female employees, but to clients and members of its supply chain.

Now in its 14th year, the Business in the Community's Awards for Excellence is a prestigious annual showcase of the UK's best responsible businesses in action. The Awards highlights the best examples of the positive impact businesses are having in the environment, amongst their employees, through their supply chains and in the local communities in which they operate.

Lakehouse HR Director Carol King said "We recognise that Lakehouse is nothing without its people, and that’s why we have invested heavily in the training and development of our workforce. Much of our success is down to the way in which we engage with our staff, ensuring that each individual feels part of the big picture, but with their own tailored training and development plan. In the current tough economic climate it's even more important to give something back to staff, and training is a great way to do this. This same commitment is reflected in the community, thanks to initiatives such as Building Lives, our training academy for disadvantaged people, some of them homeless, which is helping to overcome worklessness and poverty."

Richard Beamish - Chief Executive, Asset Skills and Chair of the judging panel 2011 said of Lakehouse's project "An innovative and inspiring skills development strategy that is embedded in the business and the wider community and is delivering significant results."

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said "Each year the Awards for Excellence showcases the most inspiring and impactful examples of corporate responsibility in action. Each of our winners displays a genuine commitment to continually improve their business practices and transform the communities in which they operate and do business. Our winners should be proud of their achievements particularly in these challenging times. They are taking a genuine stand to prove that doing business and doing good are not mutually exclusive concerns. We hope that by sharing their stories and successes, other companies will be challenged to place responsible business at the heart of their operation."

With all national and regional award entries combined, BITC received 394 entries in 2011. 123 entries resulted in National Big Tick awards, and 65 of these were shortlisted for Example of Excellence within their category. 87 companies had their 2009/2010 national Big Tick reaccredited this year.