Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum Hands Out 2014 Responsible Business Awards

The Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF) handed out its Annual Responsible Business Awards for a 12th year in a row on Wednesday.

The ceremony was held at the Sofia Hotel Balkan.

A total of 77 projects implemented by 55 companies in 2014 were included in this year's social responsibility (CSR) contest. The number of entries had increased by 10% from last year's edition of the event. Only half of the contestants were BBLF members.

The winners and the finalists received their awards from Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev, Sofia Deputy Mayor Doncho Barbalow, Depty Environment Minister Pavel Gudzherov, Deputy Labor Minister Galab Donev, Deputy Economy Minister Daniela Vezieva, interim UK Ambassador to Bulgaria Sarah Riley, and BBLF Chairman Iravan Hira.

The ceremony was attended by over 300 guests, including participants in the contests, BBLF members and friends, jury members, diplomats, and media representatives.

For yet another year in a row, the Investor in Community and Investor in Knowledge categories attracted the highest number of contestants, with 17 entries each.

There were 10 entries in the category Investor in Human Capital and Labour Conditions and 9 entries in the category Investor in Environment.

There were 15 entries in the Cause-Related Marketing category, or twice as many as in 2014.

The number of entries in the Overall CSR Policy of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise also registered a two-fold increase to a total of 9.

Mobiltel was the company boasting the largest number of entries, or a total of 7 projects, followed by Dundee Precious Metals Chelopech with 6 nominations.

The winners were, as follows:
Investor in Community: 1st place - Postbank, 2nd place - Nova...