Northern Rock was given a prestigious national award from The Prince of Wales’ Business in the Community (BITC) charity, for its work to help tackle financial exclusion.

Last month, BITC awarded Northern Rock with a ‘Big Tick’ for its on-going project to help rebrand, relaunch and support Bridges Community Bank, formerly South Tyneside Credit Union. Judges were so impressed with the nomination that Northern Rock was also selected as one of only two North East organisations to be shortlisted for the coveted title of ‘Example of Excellence’ in their respective categories.

Last night, representatives from the bank including Executive Chairman Ron Sandler, were highly commended in BITC’s ‘Building Stronger Communities’ for 2011, at a gala event sponsored by Unilever at The Royal Albert Hall.

The national ‘Big Tick’ award is the first level of award available to entrants of the national BITC Awards for Excellence, which recognises inspirational programmes that have a positive impact on the community, the environment or wider society. Northern Rock was one of six companies to achieve it this year before being highly commended in the category of the UK’s Example of Excellence in Building Stronger Communities.

Northern Rock’s contribution involved a team of employee volunteers skilled in a number of disciplines helping Bridges Your Community Bank. It continues to support Bridges as part of its flagship community programme which focuses on assisting those in financial difficulty.

Mr Sandler said: “We are honoured to have received this additional commendation, and to have been shortlisted as Business in the Community’s Example of Excellence 2011, for our important work in the local community, in this instance for our work with Bridges Your Community Bank.

“Our Big Tick Award is proudly displayed in Northern Rock’s head office so that our colleagues and visitors alike can see what has been achieved due to the hard work and dedication of our employees. I look forward to adding this additional tribute and hope it acts as a source of real inspiration and pride for everyone connected with Northern Rock.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said: “I congratulate Northern Rock on achieving its Big Tick. It is a challenging time for business, but this is a sign that companies are not losing their focus and are transforming their businesses to make a positive impact on people and society; and are prepared to lead by example. That’s what Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence is all about – celebrating responsible business, the leadership that makes it happen and the benefits to the business and society of doing so.

Via EPR Network
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