Marks & Spencer has been named Business in the Community (BITC) Responsible Business of the Year at BITC's annual Awards for Excellence.
Now in their 15th year, BITC's Awards for Excellence recognise the powerful and positive role that business plays in society. The overall award – Responsible Business of the Year – recognises the company that has made the most progress in putting responsible and sustainable practices at the core of its business. M&S was singled out for the progress of Plan A, its eco and ethical programme.
Plan A, launched in 2007, has enabled M&S to become a carbon neutral, zero waste to landfill business and includes 180 commitments which aim to make M&S the world's most sustainable major retailer by 2015.
The judges recognised the scale of achievement of Plan A and were impressed with how brave M&S has been in doing this openly in the public domain.Paul Drechsler, Chairman and Chief Executive, Wates Group and judge said: “We have no doubt that they will continue to raise the bar for responsible business in the years ahead.”
It is the third time the company has picked up the award having won it in 2006 and 2004.
M&S CEO Marc Bolland accepted the award from BITC President, HRH The Prince of Wales, at a gala function at London's Billingsgate Market last night (27th June 2012).
Marc said: “We're delighted with the award, it's a fantastic achievement that's only been made possible by the commitment of our employees and the great support our customers have shown in backing initiatives like Shwopping.”
A full report on the award and gala evening can be found here http://www.bitc.org.uk/awards_for_excellence/awards_for_excellence_winners_2012/index.html.
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For further information on Marks & Spencer
Daniel Himsworth, [email protected], 0208 718 1618
For further information on Business in the Community
Vicky Gashe, 020 7566 8794, [email protected]
Ochuko Adekoya, 020 7566 8758, [email protected]
About Business in the Community
Business in the Community is a business-led charity with a growing membership of over 850 companies. We work locally and nationally through 11 regional teams and internationally with 115 global partners. With a further 10,700 engaged in our campaigns and an employee reach of 16.8 million - we are one of the largest and most influential leadership networks focused on driving responsible business practice. We offer our members a range of practical information, tools, training and resources to help them transform their businesses and integrate responsible practices into their operations. And we ask our members to work in partnership with us to help transform communities and tackle serious social issues where business can make a real difference.
Business in the Community is one of the Prince's Charities, a group of not-for-profit organisations of which The Prince of Wales is President. http://www.bitc.org.uk/
2012 Sustainability