ScottishPower's commitment to social responsibility received the highest recognition last night as the utility received the 'Company of the Year' award from HRH Prince Charles.

The honour was presented at the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence at a gala dinner attended by over 1000 senior business leaders and opinion formers in London.

ScottishPower Chief Executive, Ian Russell received the Impact on Society Award the Company of the Year award from Prince Charles in recognition of ScottishPower's commitment to improving and reporting its overall impact on society.

Mr Russell said, "That we won the Best Company of the Year Award against stiff opposition from companies of the calibre of TXU Energy, KPMG, Centrica, GlaxoSmithKline and Tesco is testimony to our people's hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. I applaud their efforts and was very proud to receive this award on their behalf."

Scottish Power were also honoured with the Award for Excellence for ScottishPower Learning's SkillSeekers Programme, which assists unemployed young people find jobs in the community. In addition, the company received a highly commended citation for its work on having a positive environmental impact.

Julia Cleverdon, BITC chief executive, said: "ScottishPower seem to be well ahead of the game in environmental reporting and in addressing a range of impacts on customers, communities and existing and potential employees".

Mervyn Pedelty, award sponsors Co-Operative Bank chief executive, said that ScottishPower was awarded the title for making responsible practices "part of its DNA".

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Simon McMillan                                           0141 566 4875 or 07753 622 257