Northumbrian Water has retained the prestigious Platinum Plus status in Business in the Community’s annual Corporate Responsibility Index. Northumbrian Water is one of only ten organisations in the UK to hold this rating.

The Index, published in June 2010, examines the business strategy of more than 100 UK companies to honour organisations that integrate and improve corporate responsibility throughout their business operations.

In the same month, Northumbrian Water has also beaten off tough competition from CE Electric, Greggs, Sage and Siemens Energy to scoop the inaugural Business resilience and climate change award at Business in the Community’s North East Awards for Excellence. The accolade was given for the water company’s planning, innovation and effort in trying to meet the challenge of climate change.

Stephen Howard, Business in the Community’s chief executive, said:

“I congratulate Northumbrian Water on their success.

“Companies participating in the Index may all be at different stages of their responsible business journey, but they have demonstrated that they take these issues seriously and are leading the field in ensuring this is just how they do business. We believe this is imperative if we are to strengthen and stabilise our businesses and economy.”

Heidi Mottram, chief executive of Northumbrian Water, said:

“We are very proud to have retained our Platinum Plus rating for another year. Achievements like this are only possible through the efforts of each and every employee in the company.

“Northumbrian Water takes its corporate responsibilities extremely seriously and these values are at the heart of everything we do, for the benefit of our customers, our communities and the natural environment in which we operate.

“Climate change will have a major effect on the water industry, so to be acknowledged for our preparations for this inevitable challenge is reassuring and a real honour.”