PD Ports has been recognised for continuing to champion young people into work after it was reaccredited for the second year as part of the Responsible Business Awards.
It achieved a ‘Big Tick’ in the Inspiring Young Talent category which praises businesses that address youth unemployment and the UK skills gap through ‘youth friendly’ recruitment, inspiring work experience programmes or successful apprenticeships.
The award-winning ports and logistics business is based in the North-East but has operations throughout the UK with more than 1,300 employees. Based in Middlesbrough it operates Teesport, a major deep water complex and one of the largest container ports in the North of England.
After launching the High Tide Foundation in 2012 to raise aspirations and increase job prospects for young people on Teesside, it first secured accreditation in 2014 in support of its summer scheme.
As one of the registered charity’s flagship programmes it offers two weeks of practical training throughout the supply chain and has given placements to hundreds of school leavers across the region.
David Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports, commented: “The High Tide Foundation was one of the first of its kind in that it is a true private sector collaboration which has seen businesses come together to improve the future of young people.
“The last 12 months have proven to be challenging on Teesside so it is especially rewarding to achieve this Big Tick again and to see local businesses pull together to help a common cause.
“As one of the region’s largest employers it is our responsibility to help raise aspirations, more so now than ever, and through this continued recognition we hope to inspire more businesses to get involved with community-led projects.”
The 2016 Responsible Business Awards is run by the charity Business in the Community, part of HRH The Prince of Wales’ Responsible Business Network. They celebrate inspiring examples of businesses that are making a significant difference by taking action to improve their local communities, create more inclusive workplaces and tackle environmental challenges.
The announcement of the 2016 Responsible Business Awards re-accreditations coincides with Responsible Business Week which runs from 18-22 April , an annual initiative to increase awareness of the positive contribution of business in society.
Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: “We know that every day businesses contribute towards more resilient communities, stimulate local economies, help to create skilled and healthy workforces and tackle environmental challenges.
“The companies recognised in the Responsible Business Awards today, represent the very best of business. Celebrating their stories helps to raise awareness of business as a powerful force for good.”