Read: Businesses celebrate their contribution to levelling up

Businesses which are playing a leading role in spreading opportunity across the UK have been celebrated today at the first ever Business Purpose Coalition Levelling Up Awards 2022. The Awards recognise those companies and their staff which are genuinely purpose-led and which have made a particular contribution to social mobility.

The Awards were hosted by Lord John Walney, Chair of the Business Purpose Coalition, and by former CEO and now Consultant at Shoosmiths, Simon Boss. Special Recognition Awards went to Simon Boss and Sir Peter Lampl, Founder & Chair of the Sutton Company and the Sutton Trust, for their outstanding leadership in the business world.

The categories for the Awards are based on 14 Levelling Up Goals, launched in 2021 by the Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Social Mobility Pledge and former Education Secretary. These provide the framework to allow organisations to measure and benchmark their activities at key life stages and to identify other barriers to opportunity, such as digital connectivity and good health and wellbeing.  

These awards mark the start of a celebration which will continue throughout the year to recognise members of the Purpose Coalition who are going the extra mile in driving pipelines of opportunity through to those who need it most.

You can now also nominate your chosen organisation, programme or individual now within the 14 Purpose Goal categories for our Purpose Coalition wide awards ceremony taking place later this year, cast your vote here.

Lord Walney said: “In the wake of the pandemic, and with new challenges including the growing cost of living crisis, it has never been more important for businesses to support their workforce, their clients and the communities they operate in. Our Purpose Coalition partners are setting the standard for delivering opportunity and these Awards recognise those who have gone the furthest in ensuring that that opportunity is as accessible to as many people and in as many places as possible.  

“The winners should rightly celebrate the ambition and creativity that is evident in these Awards, each focused on a particular area of levelling up and meeting a specific Goal. Their leadership is vital, and I hope they will continue to share their best practice and to evaluate their progress so that they reach those who need the most support.  I look forward to continuing to work with them to make a real difference in creating opportunity across the country. ”

Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition, added: ”Today’s winners show just what is possible in authentic, purpose-led businesses. They don’t just talk the talk. They provide practical solutions that improve people’s lives. Many have been delivering positive social impact for years and each one is proactively looking to the future to consider how they can extend that even more widely. 

“These awards show why business is part of the solution to the challenges we are currently facing and why the work they are doing to spread opportunity is even more important. Many congratulations to them for their continuing commitment, and their innovation.  It is reaping hugely positive results and I look forward to continuing the celebration of our Purpose Coalition members throughout the year!”

The full list of winners is:

Goal 1  Strong foundations in Early Years

The BBC

Goal 2  Successful school years

Premier League Primary Stars

Goal 3  Positive destinations post-16+

UK Power Networks

Goal 4 Right advice and experiences

Reed In Partnership

Goal 5  Open recruitment

Channel 4

Goal 6  Fair career progression

The Adecco Group

Goal 7  Widening access to savings and credit

Virgin Money

Goal 8  Good health and wellbeing

Primary Health Properties

Goal 9  Extending enterprise

The Co-Op Group

Goal 10  Closing the digital divide

CISCO UK & Ireland

Goal 11  Infrastructure for opportunity

Tarmac

Goal 12  Building homes and sustainable communities

Pennon Group

Goal 13  Harness the energy transition

bp

Leonardo

Goal 14 Achieve equality through diversity and inclusion

Pertemps Network Group