GSK receives BITC CommunityMark

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced it has become one of the first companies to be given the CommunityMark by Business In The Community (BITC).

After a selection and review process of a number of retailers, professional services firms and banks, the company became the only manufacturing company to date to be recognised in this manner.

It has been given the CommunityMark because of its international initiatives, as well as its work at a local and national level within the UK.

The latest programme from BITC, the CommunityMark aims to reward firms who invest in the community.

It is supported by leaders in the voluntary sector and the government and GSK can use the mark for three years before applying for renewal.

Andrew Witty, chief executive of GSK, said: “?The rigorous assessment process employed by BITC makes the recognition of our long term commitment to community investment all the more significant.

“We are proud to have been awarded the CommunityMark.”

He added that the goal of improving patient lives in communities worldwide is at the centre of the work done by GSK, with its research and development efforts having a genuine impact on society.

Last month, GSK announced its cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix had won the tender for the national immunisation programme in the UK.