Oxford Bus Company has revealed a wide range of community connections as it marks Responsible Business Week.

One of its schemes, installing solar panels, has generated about £100,000 for a social enterprise scheme.

The firm based in Watlington Road is celebrating the national campaign highlighting the difference organisations can make in the community.

This year the theme for Responsible Business Week is how companies make a difference by inspiring pride, protecting resources and engaging people in the places where they live and work.

One of Oxfordshire’s largest employers, in the past year the bus company has launched a graduate management trainee scheme and an engineering apprenticeship scheme, boosting the local economy.

Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company managing director, said: “Responsible Business Week is a great occasion in the corporate calendar and an opportunity to reflect, set renewed goals and share best practice with other organisations.

“We are proud of our contribution to our community, in terms of providing employment, personal development, supporting deserving partners and building a more sustainable, environmentally friendly environment.”

OBC is one of the founder ambassador members of Experience Oxfordshire, an organisation working to improve the visitor economy.

Bus managers recently launched the River Rapids bus service to support the promotion of the county’s visitor attractions, and played a key role in the launch of the Westgate Centre by providing transport including the park-and-ride service.

Directors of the company also volunteer their time to advise the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.

This year OBC is celebrating five years of support for local community benefit society Low Carbon Hub.

The partnership was launched in 2013 with the installation of 550 solar panels on Oxford Bus Company’s depot roof in Cowley, delivering CO2 savings equivalent to a bus being driven around the equator each year and generating profits for local community groups.

It has also significantly invested in Euro 6 and hybrid buses to improve air quality in the city, and audio-visual announcements to make buses more accessible for passengers with disabilities.

The company has also helped out in the community via its sponsorships and partnerships.

It is the front-of-shirt sponsor of Oxford United Women’s team and Kirtlington FC, plus a sponsor of Oxford City Stars ice hockey club.

It has also supported Oxford Pride, plus East Oxford mental health charity Restore, via on-board digital messaging and advertising.

Amanda McKenzie, CEO of Business in the Community, said: “Responsible Business Week is an opportunity for businesses to celebrates their successes and inspire each other to do even more.

“More than ever business is being expected to play its part in creating the society we all want.

“We are proud of the Oxford Bus Company who are showcasing some of the most ambitious, exciting and innovative responsible business ideas from across the UK.”

The solar panels have generated about £100,000 over five years for the Low Carbon Hub, a social enterprise group that develops community owned renewable energy in Oxford.

Adriano Figueiredo, operations director of Low Carbon Hub, said: “OBC was the first business to work with the Low Carbon Hub.

“In 2013 we installed 540 community-owned solar panels on their roof that are capable of generating 122,000 kWh of clean electricity annually.

“Their choosing to work with us early on demonstrated their commitment to working with local community organisations and illustrated that they take an open-minded and innovative approach to their business.

“By installing the solar array with us they are now receiving clean, green electricity at a discounted rate and saving on energy bills.”