Northern Rock Highly Commended for Responsible Business Practice

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

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 savings accounts, as well as a cash isa and fixed rate bonds, to customers in the UK and Ireland and mortgages to UK 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
http://www.northernrock.co.uk