More than 470 business people from across the region attended to see Northern Ireland’s leading responsible companies recognised.

Pinsent Masons won the Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Barclays, for demonstrating excellence in creating and developing a diverse and inclusive workplace which offers opportunities for all, through its structured and strategic approach to promoting diversity and inclusion, both internally and externally.

The win comes on the back of recent successes where Pinsent Masons picked up accolades for Best LGBT Initiative and Highly Commended for Best Gender Initiative at the NI Equality & Diversity Awards.

Collecting the award, Andrea McIlroy-Rose, partner and head of the Belfast office, said: “At Pinsent Masons, our brand is distinguished by three things, outstanding sector knowledge; innovation in servicing; and a passion for diversity.

“Whether it is ranking second on the UK Stonewall LGBT Index or a Top 10 Working Families employer, awards and accreditations help us validate the work we do, so to win this local award is very satisfying. Being a ‘good business’ is also good for business as making our office a respectful place for all, means we can attract and welcome the best talent – vitally important for a professional services firm.”

Moya Johnston MBE, chair of Business in the Community NI and vice-president (OEM) of Survitec Group, said: “Northern Ireland is home to some of the most innovative and responsible businesses in the UK, and the Northern Ireland Responsible Business Awards are a fantastic platform to showcase what they are doing.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of our winners, and those who were shortlisted, for leading the way in responsible business practice.”

This year, the theme of the evening was diversity and inclusion, with keynote speaker Baroness Floella Benjamin challenging the audience to think about diversity.