Cornish-based Community Interest Company Active Plus, run by former Falmouth firefighter Tim Cocks, has been named Ethical-CSR-Green Business of the Year in the FSB Worldpay UK Business Awards.

Managing director Tim and military veteran Paul Hope collected the award at a glittering ceremony in London. "This is a real honour for Active Plus and wonderful recognition for our workforce of ex-service personnel," said Tim. "To win in the company of so many other inspirational small businesses makes it even more special and inspires us to do more. We would like to thank everyone at the Federation of Small Businesses and Worldpay for giving us this opportunity.”

The award recognises the most ethical, socially responsible or green business of the year and the judges were impressed with the Active Plus ethos of people helping themselves through helping others. Established in 2011, Active Plus uses the skills, experience and expertise of injured military veterans to deliver unique projects and activities that build confidence, motivation and self-belief in others.

This includes helping young people to engage better at school, helping unemployed people back to work, helping older people to connect with their communities and supporting people to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Tim added: “We have a great business model that has seen the company expand from its base in Cornwall to deliver across Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. All of our profits are reinvested back into the company so that we can reach, support and employ more military veterans to go on to inspire others.”