This year's winners were LEAP Design, and ethical and eco-friendly graphic and web design agency based in St Austell.

Award for sustainability

The University of Exeter were proud to sponsor Sustainable Business of the Year at the Cornwall Business Awards 2018.

This year's winners were LEAP Design, an ethical and eco-friendly graphic and web design agency based in St Austell. LEAP deserved this accolade, and its commitment to sustainability forms the very core of their business; it is not just a cost saving measure, they want to genuinely provide a more sustainable environment for employees, customers and the Cornwall community. Also, LEAP has a B-Corporation accreditation and enthusiastically share their ethos and strong understanding of the Circular Economy with other businesses in Cornwall. LEAP made the shortlist along with Clothes Doctor and Teagle Machinery, who went on to become "Winner of Winners."

Holly Kirk from the University of Exeter, who was on the judging panel, said: "LEAP is a business with real purpose. They are a beacon for B Corps which is a really tough accreditation to get- they are one of only three in Cornwall- and are keen to share knowledge and build a sustainable business community in Cornwall." 

In the original award criteria, it stated that the award would be mad to the business that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrated a clear focus on sustainability through, for example, environmental policy, energy use, innovation, responsible purchasing and employment practices. Judges would be looking for evidence of an engaged work force and a commitment to a culture of sustainability driven by the company leadership and management.

Amie Fulton, Head of the Impact, Innovation and Business Team for the University of Exeter in Cornwall added: "Supporting the Cornwall Business Awards is one of the many ways that the University of Exeter engages with businesses in Cornwall, and we are particularly proud sponsoring the Sustainable Business Award as it is a key area of research at both our Penryn and Truro campuses. We are delighted that this has been awarded to LEAP Design this year."

Date: 24 April 2018