Social enterprise bus operator, HCT Group, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark.  The Mark identifies the company as trading for a social and environmental purpose.  In satisfying the rigorous selection criteria, it is the only mainstream bus operator to have been awarded the Mark to date.

The Social Enterprise Mark was launched nationally on 1 February 2010 as the brand for social enterprises.  The Mark identifies businesses that meet defined criteria for social enterprise, enabling the public to recognise companies that are trading to benefit people and planet.

HCT Group was established in 1982 and has been growing ever since.  It is a leading provider of public transport and related training services across London and Yorkshire.  HCT has the promotion of concepts of social justice and equality at its heart.  The company believes that public transport should be available to all, and invests surpluses generated from the operation of its commercial contracts into projects that have a lasting, positive impact on the community.

Dai Powell, Chief Executive of HCT Group, said, "We're really proud to be the only operator of mainstream bus services to have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark.  HCT is absolutely committed to sustainable business and consequently helping local communities to thrive and prosper through the operation of our commercial routes."

Lucy Findlay, champion for the Social Enterprise Mark Company (manager of the Mark) commented, "We are delighted to award the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark to HCT Group.  Social enterprises come in all shapes and forms.  It's great to see that a vital, public and community transport provider understands the importance of being part of the wider social enterprise brand."