Unlike many of the programme’s other categories, the Pivot for Purpose Award does not highlight profit or financial results, instead looking for businesses that that have gone above and beyond their usual practice to deliver essential services, assistance and support to vulnerable people, local communities and key workers.

That might mean any organisation that has:

• Refocused existing operations to provide support for key workers
• Assisted in the manufacturing and/or delivery of essential medical equipment
• Provided essential services to communities during lockdown
• Spearheaded initiatives to promote wellbeing and promote social cohesion during lockdown
• Supported and led efforts to keep communities and businesses moving
• Embraced innovative new digital and physical strategies to promote business and support communities while maintaining social distancing rules
• Helped individuals, communities and local businesses adversely affected by the virus

Broadcaster and Lloyds Bank National Business Awards advisory board member, Declan Curry: “Many companies acted responsibly and generously to protect their colleagues, customers and their wider communities during the Coronavirus crisis. This award is a thank you to all those businesses that did the right thing. Good behaviour creates great businesses, and this should be celebrated and rewarded.”

Paul Gordon, Managing Director SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking: “The impact of this year’s global pandemic COVID-19 has seen businesses around the world face unprecedented challenges with very little time to prepare. However, throughout this period I have been extremely impressed by the speed, innovation and compassion which businesses across the UK have demonstrated to meet the new needs and demands of their communities and sectors.”

Rob Fisher, Group Director of the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards: “This has been a challenging year for all of us as we come to terms with operating under lockdown. But during the last ten weeks the way individuals and companies have stepped up to support frontline workers and the wider community has been truly inspiring. That’s why we are launching the Pivot for Purpose Award. We want organisations, regardless of size and sector, to put their names forward for this new award. We want to help them tell their story, highlight the contributions they’ve made and recognise them at this time of national need.”

The Pivot for Purpose Award is free to enter. It is now open for entries here and the deadline is 18th September. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 10th November 2020.

To find out more about the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards and how your business can enter, visit the website.