The accolade has been awarded in the ‘One to Watch’ category, sponsored by Ciena, in recognition of the law firm’s significant progress in developing and implementing its responsible business strategy.

The highlights of the firm’s work include supporting 17 local charities and schools by volunteering 350 hours to education and fundraising activities, reducing the amount of waste it sends to landfill by 10 per cent year-on-year, and working with responsible suppliers to use 35 per cent renewable energy within the business.

It has also supported clients and their business needs by completing 857.5 CPD hours and delivering 16 seminars to businesses and over 500 individuals in the community, as well as encouraging conversation with internal campaigns to support mental health and well-being and strengthen relationships and teamwork.

Managing director Jonathan Forrester said: “To be recognised as a 2020 Responsible Business Champion, alongside some of Northern Ireland’s best known businesses, is a fantastic achievement and testament to the commitment of our team members to conducting our business responsibly.

“As a leading commercial law firm in Northern Ireland, being a responsible business remains top of our agenda. Our culture, actions and outputs will ensure we continue to play a positive role in our local community. I am very proud of our accomplishments to date and we will continue to ensure that Corporate Social Responsibility is at the core of our business.”

Kieran Harding, managing director of BITC, said: “There is no doubt that 2020 has been a very different year to the one we expected, however, throughout the pandemic so far, I am continually heartened by the determination of companies across Northern Ireland to be even more responsible through their activities, as they take care of their people, the environment and their communities.

“We have moved to recognise our Responsible Business Champions for 2020 rather than highlighting one award winner in each category. We feel this is the right thing to do in a year where a celebration event does not seem quite so fitting but recognition of responsible businesses is still absolutely vital.

“Congratulations to Cleaver Fulton Rankin.”