South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Kent Charity Wins Seeda Business Award

7 March 2008

The Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), from Aylesford in Kent, has won the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Business Award for Sustainable Business: Workplace & Community, sponsored by EDF Energy.

RBLI is an independent charity providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities and health issues. It also helps ex-servicemen and women and their families deal with welfare, healthcare and housing problems. Recently, RBLI was awarded three major Pathways to Work contracts (for Kent, Surrey and Sussex). It is one of only 12 providers in the UK, two of which are charities.

RBLI Chief Executive John Quin said: “Recognition within the South East Business Awards reflects our continued commitment to support disadvantaged people and local employers in the communities we serve.”

Digby, Lord Jones, Minister for Trade & Investment, gave the keynote speech. The Awards, managed by SEEDA, attracted more than 300 entrants.

Digby, Lord Jones said: "The South East contains some of the country’s most exceptional businesses and these awards are a great way of recognising the region’s achievements. I am particularly delighted these awards have been designed to recognise sustainability as I firmly believe that business must constantly think about its place in this changing world if it wants to be truly successful."

More information about the Awards is available www.southeastbusinessawards.co.uk