We are fully aware of our responsibilities to the communities in which we operate. We have a strong track record in community investment and value our membership of Business in the Community ('BITC'), a UK based organisation which seeks to inspire, engage, support and challenge companies to continually improve the impact they have on society and the environment. We were delighted that our UK based Junior Chefs' Academy programme has retained its Big Tick in the education category for 2009, awarded by BITC.
Our people pride themselves on being good neighbours and actively support their local communities using, whenever possible, their skills and the locations where they work to provide support to community initiatives.
Donations
During the year to 30 September 2009 worldwide charitable donations were £5.6 million (2008: £1.5 million).