ABP NI has been recognised by the responsible business movement, Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC NI) with two separate accolades. The company has been named a Responsible Business Champion in both the Education Partnership and Environmental Leadership categories. ABP was recognised for its leadership in environmental sustainability within the agri-food sector. The company is also a BITC NI Climate Change Champion. Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, George Mullan said, “ABP has already adopted a science-based target measuring model to our environmental strategy across our business here and the wider group. We have several projects underway, including a new dairy beef partnership with Dale Farm which is supporting the sustainability of dairy beef production through the reduction of emissions using the very latest in animal genetic research. As a Climate Change Champion, we are supporting BITC NI’s campaign to invite local businesses to sign up to a pledge to cut their GHG emissions ahead of the UK government trajectory to achieving Net Zero by 2050.”
ABP’s skills development programme for teenagers, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge was also highlighted as a solid education partnership that has succeeded in raising the aspirations of young people. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge, launched in 2017, helps teenagers aged between 14-16 years of age to bridge the gap between education and employment. 14 schools are currently competing in the 2020 semi final. George Mullan continued, “we have adapted certain aspects of the competition to the challenges of the pandemic and it will open again for new entries on 5th October.”
Congratulating ABP, Kieran Harding, Managing Director of Business in the Community Northern Ireland 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 being even more responsible through their activities as they take care of their people, the environment and their communities.”