DEBI Awards 2014 open for entries
Over 50 businesses recently gathered at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth to launch the 2014 DEBI awards.
The free-to-enter awards celebrate and recognise the very best environmental initiatives in the Devon business community, as well as farming, co-operatives, community projects and environmental education.
Speakers at the event included David Young, MD of launch sponsors The UNA Group, one of last year’s winners, and Paul Cox, Director of Conservation & Communications for the Aquarium who spoke about the need for environmental engagement and commitment at all levels.
DEBI Vice Chair Peter Morgan from Paignton Zoo officially announced this year’s categories: Green Goods and Services, Sustainable Food, Retail, Hospitality & Leisure, Sustainable Ethos, Environmental Champion, and the new category for 2014, Environmental Education aimed at those who promote or contribute to environmental education across Devon.
DEBI Chair, Andy Vickery said: “The DEBI awards are well respected throughout the region and being shortlisted or winning an award is a great accolade for any organisation. In 2013, we received an astounding 64 entries from across the county.
“Each year we are amazed at the range of initiatives put in front of us. There are so many people in Devon quietly getting on doing their bit for the environment, and these awards give them the opportunity to shout about it.”
Tim Bouget from Café Ode, winner of the Sustainable Food & Leisure category and last year’s overall winner, said: “We were delighted to have been recognised by DEBI, to receive both these awards was fantastic for all our team.”
Entry deadline is September 26 giving plenty of time to enter. The DEBI awards process is extremely thorough, with the panel of judges visiting shortlisted candidates before the final decisions are made.
The awards event at the Met Office later in the year is free to attend, and this year will include a talk by Dr Ceri Lewis, Lecturer in Marine Biology at the University of Exeter. Dr Lewis will be covering the topic of plastics in the environment, a key discussion point for DEBI over the coming months.
To enter, visit www.debi-online.org.uk or email info@debi-online.org.uk for more information.
