The company has been recognised for its community engagement initiatives. MSD has implemented a number of successful ‘Champions for the Environment’ projects resulting in excellent employee engagement and community partnering. These have included establishing an environmental playground for children with special needs at East Hartford School and creating a sensory garden at the St John Ambulance Ashington Community Care Centre.

Joanne Hay, Lean Six Sigma Facilitator at MSD Cramlington who collected last night's award on behalf of the company said: “We are truly proud of the work that we do within the local community, particularly working with schools and community groups on science education and environmental projects. It really gives staff a sense of achievement, we are delighted to have been recognised for our work and I'm thrilled to accept this award on behalf of all MSD Cramlington employees involved in our community programme.”

Mark Burke, partner at award sponsor Grant Thornton, commented that the judges were impressed with the way the employees of MSD had come together to work with their local community on projects that were enhancing environmental activities and making a difference to those living in the local area.

Mike Asher, CEO of Cels, commented: “MSD is a worthy winner of the Environment Award. The company has shown a real commitment to its community and has embraced environmental issues within its strategy for success. The North East is rich with healthcare and life sciences companies that are doing exciting work across a wide range of fields and they all deserve to be recognised.”

The Business for Life Awards celebrate excellence in the North East’s healthcare industry, which contributes £8 billion to the region’s economy. They recognise the outstanding achievements of the 172,000 people who are employed in the sector in the region whilst cultivating future business success.