Contribution to the Community Award reflects the values held at sponsors De Montfort University

The Contribution to the Community reflects the values we hold dear at DMU: those of civic responsibility, social enterprise and public service.

Heather Mclaughlin

BEING creative, listening to those around you and focusing on employee wellbeing are some of the skills needed to excel in business according to the latest sponsors at the Leicestershire Live Business Awards.

De Montfort University are based in the heart of the city and was recently named one of the best universities in the country for finding highly skilled work following study. And they have now joined the long list of sponsors at the upcoming awards ceremony.

The university has given their backing to the ‘Contribution to the Community Award’ which is presented to a business who has demonstrated a dedication to corporate, social and ethical responsibility which provide benefits to the local community.

Heather Mclaughlin is Dean/PVC of the Faculty of Business and Law at the university and she explained why they made the decision to sponsor this particular award.

“De Montfort University is a key education partner for the business community and our support takes many forms.

“The Contribution to the Community reflects the values we hold dear at DMU: those of civic responsibility, social enterprise and public service,” she said.

“We are grateful to all of our business partners for their contribution to our community and the opportunity they give us to be a part of the creativity and innovation shaping the future.

“Sponsoring this award helps raise our profile to connect with more businesses and to provide the support they need.”

The LeicestershireLive Business Awards is a unique event as it brings together companies from a number of sectors. Despite this variety, many of the skills needed to succeed in business are the same as Heather discussed.

“In our experience some of the main skills required to succeed are effective listening, adaptability, thinking creatively and confidently, focusing on employee wellbeing, being customer orientated and having a great deal of energy,” she said.

“It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day cut and thrust of business however, with the world of business rapidly changing and being impacted by political, environmental and technological changes, never has it been more important to give yourself time to keep up-to-date on what’s happening in your industry or profession. It is also important to build your network to identify areas for collaboration and learn from others as well as identify what areas of learning and development are essential for both you and your

employees.”