Presented by HRH Prince of Wales, President of BITC, at a garden party reception hosted at Clarence House, Redeem is the only Scottish company this year to achieve an award at the ceremony.
Redeem, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary, has integrated corporate and social responsibility within its core business practice since the beginning. Started up by Chief Executive Jamie Rae in 1999, the business offers recycling solutions facilities to many leading commercial and charitable organizations across the UK and Europe. Redeem attracts partners from a wide range of sectors, many of which consider its responsible business practice as a key driver in working with the company.
On course to double its turnover to £12 million this year with new operations in Hong Kong and Turkey, Redeem remains committed to ensuring a strong level of responsible business practice across its organization.
Jamie Rae, Chief Executive of Redeem plc, commented: “We are extremely pleased to be recognized on a UK level for our responsible business practice by such a prestigious organisation as Business in the Community. This is an excellent endorsement of our company and highlights our ongoing efforts to place corporate and social responsibility at the heart of our business.
“Undertaking responsible business practice impacts on how we interact with our customers, suppliers, local community and our staff. We believe that not only does it encourage long term partnerships, but also offers significant commercial benefits as we all aim to work more responsibly and effectively in the future.”
Matt Rudling, EDF Energy Networks Branch, and Chair of the Judges panel for Small Company of the Year, said: “Redeem runs a truly impressive business, giving waste products a new lease of life to reduce negative environmental impact and simultaneously provide benefit to third world countries, enabling people to develop initiatives and networks previously unavailable.
“Not only that, but they are clearly rooted in their community, with 20 per cent of their workforce joining the business after participating in community employment schemes targeting hard to reach groups, including people with mental health problems and ex-offenders.
“This approach also offers the company a source of dedicated and committed employees.”
Redeem’s business model generates strong revenue streams to charities, schools and community groups, whilst minimising landfill waste. It has generated over £4 million for good causes, diverted over 134,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, planted 112,000 trees and provided over one million mobile phones to developing countries. It has also provided educational programmes to 6,000 schools, raising over £100,000 last year and developing greater affiliation with the next generation business community.
Redeem is an active associate member of BITC’s sister charity in Scotland, Scottish Business in the Community, which supports businesses to improve their impact on society.