BUSINESSES which give their time to help the community are to be recognised in a nationwide scheme being piloted in Medway.

North West Kent is at the forefront of the CommunityMark initiative, which recognises the impact of small businesses in the community.

The scheme is an opportunity for businesses which are already helping their area to be given full recognition for their contribution. Businesses who do not have a community programme are also being encouraged to get involved.

By encouraging companies to set up a community programme, the project will give them the opportunity to tackle problems affecting business growth, as well as unlimited good publicity.

Nigel Turley, CommunityMark manager said: "The project is a standard award given to companies who contribute something to the community. This can include cash donations to charity, the use of their professional services to benefit others and providing educational mentoring."

"Most companies are already making contributions but don't know it. We can help them record what they're doing to achieve the CommunityMark status. I am here to guide the business through the assessment free of charge. There is no cost involved in achieving this prestigious award.

"The benefit to the companies involved will include media coverage, raised profile in the community and additional business opportunities."

This award, supported by Business in the Community and the Home Office, is expected to go nationwide in the next couple of years.

Nigel said: "This is a great opportunity for companies to commit and be recognised as one of the pioneers and champions of this award."

If you are a small or medium sized company with fewer than 250 employees and want to get involved with this scheme, call Nigel Turley on 01322 291060.