Elementus wins CommunityMark Award

20 August 2008

Horsham-based Elementus has recently won a CommunityMark Award, the new national standard for outstanding contribution to the community.

The CommunityMark is endorsed by government, the voluntary sector and supported by HRH the Prince of Wales, president of Business in the Community. The company has joined a pioneering group of 21 UK based businesses that have achieved the CommunityMark. The list includes BT, GlaxoSmithKline, M&S, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Tesco, Zurich, Barclays, Design Links Ltd, to name a few.

The awards were presented by Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills during a reception at 10 Downing Street.

The CommunityMark is that publicly recognises companies that are the best investors in their communities. Successful companies have passed a rigorous, independent assessment of how they invest in and work with their local communities, including scrutiny by their employees and community partners.

"Obtaining the CommunityMark is a real achievement, and great recognition for Elementus and the schools and charities that we support in the Horsham and Crawley area. Elementus will continue to invest in the local community as we believe it is the right thing to do." Ian Woodland, Head of Business Support, Elementus.

To achieve the award Elementus has actively supported a number of organisations, charities and schools including St. Wilfrid’s, The Forest School, the YMCA and Furni-Aid. They have given free presentations or low cost support on health and safety and invested time in giving work experience placements to pupils.

The company has supported The Springboard Project, a Horsham based charity This organisation provides a centre for children with special needs and their families, and children of a young age within the Horsham area. Projects have included teams from Elementus painting external walls in the garden with fun scenes such as the World Cup wall. They also redecorated an office in the centre using materials donated by Brewers in Horsham.

The Springboard Project Manager, Nigel Scott-Dickeson said, "Elementus have helped us over the past three years with some excellent projects. They have made a real difference to our centre and the children and youngsters, of all abilities, who attend. The quality of their work has been terrific. The children and families appreciate the effort that everyone from Elementus has contributed to enhance their environment".

Since 2006 Elementus have raised over £6000 for charities and organisations within the local area by completing sponsored events, supporting raffles and through donations and fundraising.