THE Bolton and Bury Business Awards 2007 have been planned to reflect the increasing importance of corporate social and environmental responsibility among the business community.

The new Environmental Best Practice and Community Awards demonstrate how businesses can benefit their surroundings while boosting their image and performance at the same time.

Ann McCracken, of Community Award sponsor O2, said: "Customers not only expect great service but look for companies to give back to their community.

"A lot of companies do this but often in a quiet way and we wanted to highlight the great work that is done."

O2 employs 1,400 people at its Dumers Lane call centre in Bury and Mrs McCracken said in the past staff have helped create a school sensory garden and others used their expertise to teach elderly Asian people how to use mobiles.

Mrs McCracken said: "The majority of our workers live within a couple of miles of the centre and we want our own people to feel proud of working for us. Supporting various community initiatives is part of that."

Business Bolton is sponsoring the Environmental Best Practice award.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman, Bolton Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "Protecting the environment is of vital importance in today's world and it is vital that businesses make their processes and products as environmentally friendly as possible."

There are another nine categories to enter. Visit www.boltonandburybusinessawards.co.uk. The closing date for entries is April 20.