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Adam Harris wins Business and Finance Leader Award for dedication to inclusivity

Adam Harris, from ASIAM collecting the ESG Leader Award presented by Catherine Duggan and Aisling McCaffrey from Grant Thornton (left). Photo: Andres Poveda.

Peter Scott of Onclusive pictured presenting the Biodiversity Leadership in Business award to Gilly Taylor and Brian O’Toole, from Wildacres.

Alan Keogh and Susan Comyn, from CoolPlanet collecting the ESG Company Award, presented by Elaine Power from Olytico (left).

thumbnail: Adam Harris, from ASIAM collecting the ESG Leader Award presented by Catherine Duggan and Aisling McCaffrey from Grant Thornton (left). Photo: Andres Poveda.
thumbnail: Peter Scott of Onclusive pictured presenting the Biodiversity Leadership in Business award to Gilly Taylor and Brian O’Toole, from Wildacres.
thumbnail: Alan Keogh and Susan Comyn, from CoolPlanet collecting the ESG Company Award, presented by Elaine Power from Olytico (left).
Tom Galvin
© Bray People

Wicklow firms Cool Planet and Wildacres, along with Adam Harris, have triumphed at the Business & Finance ESG Awards, which took place in Dublin’s Mansion House last month.

The Business & Finance ESG Awards, in collaboration with Grant Thornton, celebrate the accomplishments of Irish businesses committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Now in its third year, the Business & Finance ESG Awards continue to grow, reflecting the escalating significance of ESG practices in shaping sustainable business strategies.

The awards serve as a platform for companies to showcase their commitment to ESG principles and to contribute visibly to a greener future.

Remarking on his ESG Leader Award, Adam Harris Founder and CEO of AsIAm, said: "I am deeply honoured to accept the ESG Award on behalf of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. This award comes at a special moment as we mark 10 years of impact.

"Our vision is a society in which every autistic person is accepted ‘as they are’, equal, valued and respected. Today, AsIAm is a charity providing a wide range of supports to thousands of autistic people and families across Ireland whilst simultaneously working in partnership with businesses, employers, public services and communities across Ireland to grow understanding and acceptance of autistic people and break down the often invisible, accessibility barriers which deprive our community of the same chance.

"Whilst we are proud of our impact to date, we know we need to do so much more. We passionately believe in working in partnership with businesses to deliver leadership, impact and true inclusion. Over the past decade, some of Ireland's leading businesses have been central to our key achievements – from our Autism Friendly Towns Programme to our Community of Practice for Autism-Friendly Employers.

"Irish businesses have partnered to help us provide critical supports to our community which faces major barriers to accessing even basic support. Our ask today,” he continued, is that “we continue to work together, to grow our shared impact” so Ireland is a place in which every autistic person enjoys equal opportunities.

The awards recognise standout winners across 20 categories, and included Wicklow’s CoolPlanet, which was awarded the ESG Company Award for SMEs and Wildacres, which won the award for Biodiversity Leadership in Business.