Northern Rock Highly Commended for Responsible Business Practice
By Northern Rock, PRNESunday, July 10, 2011
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England, July 11, 2011 -
Northern Rock has been announced as overall runner up in the
BITC Awards of Excellence 2011 for Building Stronger Communities
and it also received an extra commendation for responsible business
practice.
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.
“Communities and consumers need to see that businesses are
proactive, visible and engaged on the big issues of the day, as
Northern Rock has demonstrated.”
About Northern Rock:
Northern Rock plc is a new bank, authorised by the FSA as a
deposit taker and mortgage lender from 1 January 2010.
It offers
as well as a
rate bonds, to customers in the UK and Ireland and
borrowers. New products are offered through both direct
channels - including a national branch network - and mortgage
intermediaries.
Northern Rock continues to operate within the compensatory
measures agreed with the EC as part of the State Aid approval
announced in October 2009.
About Business in the Community:
Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence identify and
celebrate companies having a positive impact on the community,
environment, marketplace and workplace.
The Big Tick winners demonstrate significant impact and high
quality management of their responsible business practices and can
show a positive impact both on society and on the business. Now in
their 14th year, they are the UK’s leading awards for responsible
business practice. BITC received over 370 entries for the national
Awards for Excellence.
Business in the Community stands for responsible business - it
is a business-led charity with a growing membership of 850
companies, from large multinational household names to small local
businesses and public sector organisations.
Media Contact:
Jule Wilson
Northern Rock House
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 4PL
+44(0)191-279-4676
Tags: England, July 11, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northern Rock, United Kingdom
