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Companies ranging from multinational banks to online tea shops compete for an award as London’s most responsible business gongs go “virtual” for the first time.

A total of 14 companies have been shortlisted for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards, recognizing companies that make a special effort to build strong relationships with the community, combat disadvantage or inequality, promote inclusion or promote skills

This year’s applicants supported over 188,000 people, contributed nearly £ 3 million in assistance, and mobilized volunteers who contributed over 13,000 hours to community groups and other charitable causes.

Due to the limitations of Covid-19, the prestigious awards organized by the City of London Corporation will be announced “virtually” for the first time at an online-only event in April.

The Lord Mayor of London William Russell said: “I am always inspired and encouraged by the breadth and scope of the projects companies are doing across the capital to make a real difference for their communities and society at large, and this is this Year is no exception.

“As the impact of the pandemic continues to take its toll, companies can play an important role more than ever by using their resources, ingenuity and passion to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

This year’s “Dragons” includes a category that honors companies that have responded particularly creatively or innovatively to social problems caused by the pandemic.

Shortlisted for this award is the international law firm Hogan Lovells for a program that gives Newham residents access to social benefits, and banking giant UBS for its work to fight food poverty with Hackney-based charity Chefs in Schools.

UBS has also been shortlisted for its work to work with The Skills Builder Partnership to promote youth employability. Other companies competing for an award include online tea retailer NEMI Teas, which has partnered with charity Groundwork London on a project to help refugees find work.

Meanwhile, Shoreditch-based management consultant WeAgile is being shortlisted for the Heart of the City award after launching free online tutoring sessions so children can continue studying during the lockdown.

Monshur Ali, Co-Founder of WeAgile, said: “We are very honored and excited to be shortlisted for the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award. Being on the finalist list validates the hard work and social impact of our team in an incredibly challenging year for so many and how far we have come as an organization in our responsible business initiatives that make a real difference to the communities we serve. “

Hertfordshire-based engineering and construction company VolkerFitzpatrick is running for a Boosting Social Impact Award for working with charity CRASH to renovate the lounge in a homeless shelter in Canning Town.

John O’Grady, Commercial Director of the VolkerFitzpatrick Division, said: “We are delighted to be a finalist and are very proud of what we have achieved in collaboration with CRASH. With up to 140 inhabitants at the same time, we have left a legacy that will have a positive impact on the lives of so many people in the years to come. “

City-based business analytics company TrueCue is selected in the Inclusive Employment category for a project aimed at bringing more women into the data and technology industries.

Bingqian Gao, initiator and main organizer of the TrueCue program, said: “The nomination is an opportunity for us to share our drive to support and promote diversity and inclusivity through action. I hope we will inspire more people to pursue their professional goals and more organizations to think outside the box to develop new initiatives to bridge the gap between diversity and inclusivity. “

This year’s awards are being organized for the first time by Heart of the City, the City Corporation-funded charity that supports hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses with their responsible business programs.

The awards are part of City Corporation’s commitment to partnering with businesses, charities and neighboring boroughs to create a more responsible, inclusive and competitive London.

More information is available at www.dragonawards.org.uk

Companies that are shortlisted:

Heart of the City Award

– WeAgile – Digital used forever

The Shoreditch-based business consultant has launched free online tutoring sessions so children can continue studying outside of the classroom during the lockdown.

– Red Ant – PhilANThropy

The Southwark-based software company set up a volunteer committee that enables employees to volunteer for community projects and improve workplace wellbeing.

– Recruitment of signatures

The London-based recruiter has launched an apprenticeship program that recruits apprentices from local providers and uses apprenticeships to provide the current workforce with practical expertise on resumes, interviews, job applications and professional etiquette, among other things.

The Lord Mayor’s Prize for Innovation during Covid-19

– Hogan Lovells – The Workshop for Social Welfare

The city’s law firm provides assistance to residents of the London borough of Newham with completing welfare forms, initially in person, but via a long-distance service over the phone during the lockdown.

– UBS and cooks in schools – tackling food insecurity

The city-based bank has partnered with Hackney Charity Chefs in Schools to deliver healthy, nutritious food to vulnerable families during the pandemic.

– onHand and Lambeth Council – Doing good during Covid

The creator of the volunteer app, which is said to be an “Uber for Volunteers,” is working with Lambeth Council to deliver food packages to residents who are isolating during Covid

Boosting Social Impact Award

– Volker Fitzpatrick

The Hertfordshire-based engineering and construction company worked with the construction charity CRASH to renovate the lounge at a hostel operated by the charity Caritas Anchor House in Canning Town, Newham.

– Q5 – Pop-up advisory initiative

The Westminster-based management consultant provides free assistance to charities and small and medium-sized businesses that need help but cannot afford consulting fees.

Inclusive Employment Award

– TrueCue – Women in the Data Hackathon

The city-based business analytics firm’s project brought together women who were interested in data and technology, and provided opportunities and resources to learn more about the industry.

– Project imagine

The Shoreditch-based e-money institution was founded in 2018 with the aim of creating a fairer financial future for people across the UK, to help them understand money and be more financially secure.

Community Partners Award

– NEMI teas – changing trips

The retailer of specialty teas and biodegradable tea bags has partnered with the non-profit Groundwork London to help refugees living in the capital find work.

– Great Britain city year

The Islington-based youth and education charity helps students from disadvantaged communities achieve success through a year-long leadership development program for volunteer mentors.

– The Skills Builder Partnership & UBS – A decade of building basic skills

The Bethnal Green-based, non-profit, skills-building organization, supported by UBS, develops teaching materials and supports and trains schools to improve young people’s employability.

Regional Impact Award

– Marsh & McLennan – Survive to Thrive

The US-based global services company delivered projects to support young people in Birmingham and Leeds, supported corporate resilience and influenced policies to support young refugees.