Swindon-based Nationwide Building Society is in the running for one the UK’s most prestigious and respected awards championing responsible business.
The firm has been shortlisted in the Responsible Business of the Year category in the regional Responsible Business of the Year Awards, which 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 awards, now in their 19th year, are staged by the charity Business in the Community (BITC) – the Prince of Wales’ responsible business network.
The nomination is in recognition of Nationwide’s specialist support service for customers affected by cancer run partnership with Macmillan.
Since last September 650 customers have been supported by the service and more than 150 have been referred back to Macmillan, leading to more than £85,000 worth of additional benefits and grants. Nationwide is now extending the service to other vulnerable customers, including those with heart disease and mental incapacity.
Nationwide, the UK’s largest building society also supports the military community in tackling commercial disadvantage. It has created specific mortgage offerings that can switch between residential and letting when military personnel are posted, developed an Armed Forces Housing Guide, staged masterclasses on military bases and recruited former Armed Forces personnel.
Nationwide chief executive Graham Beale said: “We take our broader responsibility to society seriously and set ourselves some ambitious targets in 2012 when we launched our ‘Living on your side’ five-year citizenship strategy. I am delighted that we are more than delivering against them and making a real difference to local communities.”
Shortlisted companies will be recognised at the South West Responsible Business Gala Dinner sponsored by accountants PwC and outsourcing group Mitie, which takes place on June 14 at St George’s in Bristol.
The shortlist has been announced during Responsible Business Week, an annual campaign to increase awareness of and showcase the positive contribution made by businesses up and down the country to society.
Nationwide is competing against EDF Energy, Hermes Investment Management, NH Hotel Group, State Street Corporation and Veolia. 
BITC area director west Raksha Pattni, pictured, said: “I’d like to congratulate the shortlisted companies in the South West who clearly demonstrate that business has a greater purpose then simply generating profit and are a great example to others. We look forward to celebrating their success and the very best of business as a powerful force for good in the region at our South West Responsible Business Gala Dinner.”
Companies chosen as finalists will be invited to BITC’s Annual Responsible Business Gala at the O2 in London on July 11 hosted by Fujitsu (2015 Responsible Business of the Year).
BITC received 297 entries for this year’s Responsible Business Awards, shortlisted 103 and re-accredited a further 82 entries for demonstrating continual impact in their responsible business programme.
The headline sponsors of the 2016 Responsible Business Awards are Asda, Bupa, Experian, Fujitsu, Hogan Lovells, M&S, Samworth Brothers, Unilever, Unipart Group and UPS.
