Fired Earth scoops major regional environmental award

    
(Left - Right) Dave Bruce and John Webb of Fired Earth with Paul Jackson of Castle Quay

Thank you to the Banbury Guardian for kindly letting us use their photograph.

Fired Earth has received the accolade of Environmental Company of the Year in a prestigious business awards initiative.

The Adderbury-based-company - which has achieved an impressive recycling target of 85% - won the coveted prize at the 2008 Banbury Business Awards in Oxfordshire.

The award reflects a company-wide commitment to care for the planet wherever possible. Not only has Fired Earth exceeded ambitious recycling targets, but it has also brought in a host of new green measures.

These include the introduction of eco-friendly packaging into the warehouse and delivery drivers being urged to bring back packaging from customers and Fired Earth shops to further boost environmental credentials.

Launching the awards scheme, the organisers cited the threat of punitive government penalties if business and industry is not seen to be embracing the need to be green.

A spokesman said: "The environmental impact of industry is increasingly under the spotlight and with the threat of stiff Government penalties it could be argued being green is its own reward. This award aims to recognise the efforts of those who go above and beyond the call of duty."

In being awarded the Environmental Company of the Year prize, Fired Earth was praised for demonstrating:

• A commitment to reduce its overall carbon footprint
• Detailed plans for ambitious but achievable recycling arrangements
• That it had nominated an individual team to be entirely responsible for combating the company's environmental impact
• That any new environmental measures would be rigorously monitored and measured to ensure their success
• That any new environmental impact study carried out had resulted in concrete measures being introduced
• That it had made it easier for staff to walk, cycle, or take public transport to work?

The award was accepted by Dave Bruce and John Webb of Fired Earth, at a gala presentation ceremony at the Mercure Whately Hall Hotel. Dave Bruce said: "Fired Earth has long demonstrated a real commitment to caring for the environment and it is hugely to everyone's credit that the real efforts made across the board have been recognised by this award."

Event co-ordinator Kim Ives said: "The awards recognise the excellence of local businesses in Banbury and the surrounding area, no matter big or small. The awards are one of the highlights of the business year, an opportunity for business to receive the recognition it deserves."

For further information on Fired Earth please contact Laura James or Elizabeth of Mar at the Mabelgray press agency on 01263 711588.