BASF plc's Seal Sands site received a national award last night (9th July) for its exemplary effort in communicating with the local community in the Tees Valley. BASF is the first winner of the Chemical Industry Reputation Award, offered by the Chemical Industry Association (CIA) and presented on their behalf by former ITN political editor, Michael Brunson. The award, sponsored by BP, was announced at a dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane, London.
BASF won the award for its sustained programme involving many modes of communication, a large proportion of the workforce, and all the people whose opinions affect the public reputation of the company. The diligence with which this programme was carried out was "awesome", the judges said. They added that the programme provided "a glimpse of how the complex issue of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility are embraced at local level".
Tony Birch, Site Director of BASF Seal Sands received the award and said "Sustainable Development is the cornerstone of both the CIA and BASF. The programme that we have developed depends on strong commitment from our leadership team but even more so the time and effort contributed by all our staff - for this programme is run by volunteers. BASF Seal Sands operates within the Tees Valley chemical complex which is certainly one of the most important in Europe, many of our sister companies in Tees Valley operate similar programmes and we also recognise the support from our elected representatives, One North East and the TCI but last night was dedicated to the Seal Sands staff and I wish to recognise their outstanding contribution. This CIA Industry Reputation Award joins a similar one that we achieved in 2001 from UK Skills for our Training and Development."
The CIA’s Head of Communications, John Boler, said: "While it is nice to be liked and respected, the most immediate business need for chemical companies is to earn and retain the trust of people in their local communities. Success requires patience, persistence and active dialogue. It is clear from their entries that today’s winners understand this."
BASF triumphed against strong competition from three other companies short-listed for this award, which is open to chemical companies operating from more than one location in the UK.
BASF was also a finalist for the Training and Development Award which was to recognise the best example of improved business performance through good practice in the training and development of people.
For further details please contact:
Dr Ian Mains
Tel: 01642 542294
Fax: 01642 542470
Email: Ian.mains@basf-plc.co.uk
Note to Editors:
1. Photographs are available electronically from the CIA’s website: www.cia.org.uk or from Sarah Haythrope at the CIA; Tel: 020 7834 3399.
2. BASF companies employ over 1,600 people throughout the UK generating sales of approximately £886 million. The company supplies raw materials to most UK industries and to manufacturers in other parts of the world. BASF has several manufacturing sites in the UK and its headquarters are in Cheshire.
Lydia Dawson
BASF Media Relations
Tel: 07041 428 211
Email: Lydia.dawson@basf-plc.co.uk
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