Community Stars Award shortlist: Vote in the Business category

There are two companies vying for the title of the Business Can Make A Difference award in the Community Stars Awards 2019.

The award shines a spotlight on the district’s companies which go the extra mile to provide services to their community and help their customers and organisations in a range of ways.

The finalists include: Denso Marston Ltd and XPO Logistics.

Spider Club members who meet on the Denso Marston Reserve and learn all about the environment, habitat and the wildlife.

DENSO MARSTON manages the Denso Marston Nature Reserve in Baildon which is a peaceful area which attracts a lot of visitors and wildlife.

Steve Warrillow, the warden on the reserve, is well-known for his knowledge and enthusiasm for nature and wildlife.

Mr Warrilow hosts walks, birdwatching events and activities for children, including school visits.

The Celebration Day is held once a year which showcases the work Denso does.

There has been lots of improvements made to the reserve recently, helping more people gain access and enjoy being in the outdoors.

Denso Marston is a supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components for major automakers.

A spokesperson for the team at Denso Marston said: “We are delighted that we have been nominated.

“The reserve has now been established for 28 years and goes from strength to strength with the constant commitment of our warden, Steve Warrilow and the fabulous support from all our volunteers.

“We are so proud that the local community can benefit from our reserve and the number of visitors increases every year.”

DENSO Marston Nature Reserve, a company that strikes to lower its carbon footprint, was created to help offset carbon emissions whilst also giving something back to the local community.

Gavin Williams, managing director, supply chain – UK & Ireland, XPO Logistics

XPO LOGISTICS, who provides transport and logistics for different businesses, has been nominated for its employees’ time with Bradford Central Foodbank.

Due to their warehousing expertise staff volunteered to help organise their warehouse, making it easier to pick food parcels.

They also picked food parcels and collected donations in the local supermarket.

Team members also volunteered to develop a community allotment to help make it a nicer place for the community to visit.

During the day they cleared the land of weeds, laid bark and painted the shed.

The nominee for XPO Logistics said: “They did a fantastic job, even making a memorial in memory of one of the founders of the allotment.”

It was in fact their nominee who used three words to describe their efforts: community focused, inclusive and good natured.

The nominee said: “XPO Bradford is known for the kind-hearted nature of its people - many being Bradford based - extending beyond the workplace.

“Employees recently cleared an allotment making it a nicer and safer place to visit, have volunteered at the local foodbank.

“We donated over 2 tonnes of food over the last 12 months which has an average monetary value of £4500.92.

“They have raised £21,424.07 over the last 12 months which has been donated to various local charities.”

The site works with Bradford Skillshouse to help those who have been out of work back into the workplace.

Employees have also volunteered at local schools to help with CV writing and with college students studying business in the local Dragons Den initiative.

Gavin Williams, managing director for the supply chain for UK & Ireland at XPO Logistics: “It is an honour for XPO to be recognised through the nomination of the Community Stars Awards.

“Congratulations to our XPO colleagues in Bradford who have driven fundraising, food donations, and volunteering events to positively contribute to the local community.”

Vote for your Community Star here

Voting deadline: Thursday, November 28

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