Building on its award-winning sustainability programme, Marshalls plc has become the UK's first heavyside materials manufacturer to be accepted into the prestigious UN Global Compact - the World's largest corporate citizenship and sustainability initiative.

The UN Global Compact is a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. By doing so, business can help ensure that markets, commerce, technology and finance advance in ways that benefit economies and societies everywhere.

Chris Harrop, Group Marketing Director, said:
“The acceptance of Marshalls into the UN Global Compact underlines our policy of leadership and commitment to the sustainability agenda. Our inclusion will ensure we are able to share best practice, work with UN agencies and other businesses and align our sustainability messages with the rest of the World."

The UN Global Compact's website comments 'Never before have the objectives of the international community and the business world been so aligned. Common goals, such as building markets, combating corruption, safeguarding the environment and ensuring social inclusion, have resulted in unprecedented partnerships and openness among business, government, civil society, labour and the United Nations.'

Further information on the initiative and its ten principles can be found at www.unglobalcompact.org