Northern Rock has been described as one of the most responsible businesses in the UK.

This follows its awarding of Business in the Community’s (BITC) national ‘Big Tick’ for its work to tackle financial exclusion in partnership with credit unions

The Big Tick award is the first level of award available to entrants of the national BITC Awards for Excellence, which recognise inspirational programmes that are making a positive impact on the community, the environment or wider society

Northern Rock’s contribution, which involved volunteers skilled in a number of disciplines, helping to rebrand and relaunch South Tyneside Credit Union as Bridges Your Community Bank, has also been shortlisted for consideration for the title of Example of Excellence – the overall winner for the Building Stronger Communities category

The final results will be announced at the BITC Awards for Excellence Gala Event, sponsored by Unilever, which will be held at the Royal Albert Hall on 5 July

Andy Tate, Northern Rock’s customer and commercial director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this Big Tick in recognition of our important work in the local community