A COLLABORATION with a North- East building firm to help homeless people back into work was recognised at awards for community-minded companies last night.

Stephen Bell, chief executive of Tyneside Cyrenians, was recognised at Business in the Community’s (BITC’s) 2009 Awards for Excellence for his organisation’s work in developing programmes to support homeless people into employment. It included a collaboration with County Durham based construction company, Lumsden & Carroll, part of the Esh Group.

Karen Wilkinson-Bell, BITC’s regional director for the North-East, said: “I would like to applaud Stephen for the work which has led to him being recognised in this way.”

Paul Walker, chief executive of The Sage Group, received the Prince’s Ambassador Award, given by HRH The Prince of Wales to individuals whose leadership and commitment to responsible business has resulted in changes and improvements inside their own company, and who have also inspired other organisations to take action.

Other companies and individuals recognised at last night’s awards came from Sunderland based Gentoo, Pity Me based Northumbrian Water, Tyneside Cyrenians, the Sage Group and John Lewis, in Newcastle.

Karen Wilkinson-Bell, BITC’s regional director said: “It’s never been more important for businesses to show their leadership when it comes to responsible business issues.

“I am delighted that Paul has been recognised by our president, The Prince of Wales, for his personal commitment.”

Prince Charles said in a pre-recorded message that was shown at the awards dinner, in the NewcastleGateshead Hilton: “It’s testament to Paul’s commitment that in three years, Sage has gained a reputation for making a difference to the communities it serves, through its volunteering programmes, and support for local voluntary and community groups, as well as its work with local schools.”

The awards went to:

● North-East Community Partnership Award, winner – John Lewis Newcastle for its relationship with St Oswald’s Hospice;

● North-East Cares Awards: North East Team of the Year, winner – Fusion Northern Ops Management Team; North-East Team Leader of the Year, winner – Jane Lertas, Gentoo; North- East Volunteer of the Year, winner – Stacey Rogers, The Sage Group;

● The Prince’s Ambassador Award, winner – Paul Walker, The Sage Group;

● The Marks and Spencer Sieff Award, winner – Stephen Bell, chief executive Tyneside Cyrenians

● North-East Big Tick winners and reaccreditations:

Winners: Serco Talent Award, winner – John Lewis Newcastle, for its Attract and Develop Talent – Fit for our Future programme; Healthy Workplaces Award, winner – Northumbrian Water for its Health and Well-being Initiative; Power in Partnership Award, winner – Northumbrian Water for its Northern Kites project. Re-accreditations: John Lewis Newcastle, Erimus Housing, 3M Newton Aycliffe, npower Operations Customer Services, Northern Rail, Gentoo and npower.