Supermarket Morrisons, has been shortlisted for Responsible Retailer of the Year at the Oracle Retail Week Awards for its Farm Programme, developed to help secure the long-term viability of British farming.

The UK’s top five supermarket businesses are set to battle it out for the “Responsible Retailer Award” at the Oracle Retail Week awards 2010.  Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco will be joined by DIY retailer B&Q on the shortlist, organisers announced today.

Whilst consumers continue to expect companies to conduct their business ethically and with concern for the environment, in today’s challenging economy, buying decisions may more likely be driven by cost, yet retailers are continuing to invest significant time and money to further improve their Corporate Social Responsibility.

Defending their 2009 title, The Co-operative Group launched three national campaigns focusing on the new Marine Act, Plan Bee to help reverse the decline of bees in the UK and tying up with WWF to campaign against toxic fuels.  The group also donated £2 million as part of its Green Energy for Schools programme.  As part of Morrisons core strategy, they created The Morrisons Farm Programme to help secure the long-term viability of British farming.

Focusing on tackling their carbon footprint and guiding consumers to make greener choices, Tesco introduced the widely reported ‘buy one get one free – later’ campaign aimed at reducing food waste.   The Cheetham Hill Store, which has a carbon footprint 70% less than that of a store built in 2006, was developed as a Regeneration Partnership store reserving a number of jobs local people.  Keeping with the supermarkets, Sainsbury’s has introduced kinetic road plates in their car parks which capture energy every time a car drives over them, powering the store’s till points.

Asda has chosen to focus on sport, launching the Sporting Chance campaign, encouraging children of all ages and abilities to get – and stay – active through sport. Asda is currently working with 4,000 leisure providers to offer more than 100,000 children to date free activity sessions.  Challenging the supermarkets for the title is DIY retailer B&Q whose store in New Malden is among their most environmentally friendly - 50% more carbon efficient than other stores.  The majority of timber stocked by the retailer is FSC compliant and their Job Done! Schools programme helps to build DIY skills for the future.  Eco Advisors have also been employed to offer customers advice on how to ‘green’ their homes.

Speaking about the quality of the awards shortlist, Tim Danaher, Editor of Retail Week said: “Consumers are increasingly concerned about a wide range of issues, including ethical sourcing, environmental initiatives, community support projects and regeneration.  The retailers nominated for this award have demonstrated a strong commitment to acting in a responsible manner across their activities, but we are starting to witness a strong trend towards health related campaigns, in keeping with the growing interest of consumers in this area.  We’re delighted with the shortlist for the 2010 Oracle Retail Week Awards which is stronger than ever, confirming that retailing continues to be innovative despite the downturn.”

“These Awards continue to be the benchmark of British retail success. As the largest business software company, Oracle is committed to supporting the development of excellence, innovation, creativity and agility within retail businesses and this year’s entries demonstrate that these values continue to lie at the heart of this industry. The finalists in each category are delivering consistent results, compelling value propositions and shopping experiences and we are delighted to recognise their achievements,” said Sarah Taylor, Industry Director, Oracle Retail.

Widely considered the biggest and most established event in the UK retail industry calendar, the awards will take place on March 4^th, 2010 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s West End.  In addition to the 12 shortlisted categories, a further four awards will be selected by the main judging panel when they meet early next year to agree the winners for 2010, including the ultimate accolade, Oracle Retailer of the Year.

The judging panel comprises some of the most influential names in the UK retail sector, including;

Mike Shearwood, Chief Executive, Mosaic Fashions
Terry Duddy, Chief Executive, Home Retail Group
Beverley Aspinall, Chief Executive, Fortnum & Mason
Jacqueline Gold, Chief Executive, Ann Summers
Hugh Harvey, Managing Director, Comet
Rob Templeman, Chief Executive, Debenhams
Alan Giles, Chairman, Fat Face
Stephen Sunnucks, President Gap, Europe
Richard Pennycook, Finance Director, Morrisons
Ben Gordon, Chief Executive, Mothercare
Simon Fox, Chief Executive, HMV Group
Lisa Morgan, Chief Executive, Game Group
Ian Grabiner, Chief Executive Officer, Arcadia
Andy Clarke, Chief Operating Officer, ASDA Group
Mark Newton Jones, Chief Executive, Shop Direct Group