The Heathrow Retail Academy has been recognised for its contribution to the local community by beating hundreds of entries to a prestigious National Big Tick award.

Presented by Business in the Community, the National Big Tick is the UK’s most influential, independent, peer assessed corporate responsibility award, and was presented in recognition of the Academy’s continued investment in local people.

The Heathrow Retail Academy helps local school pupils understand more about careers within the airport’s retail operation, gives unemployed residents from neighbouring communities the skills to access airport jobs and allows employees to acquire qualifications once in work.

The accredited qualifications on offer include Skills for Life, apprenticeships, advanced apprenticeships, NVQs and a Foundation Degree in Retail Operations and People Management.  The unique feature of the Heathrow Retail Academy is that it manages the accredited qualifications on behalf of its retail partners.

More than 500 students have so far gained a qualification at the Heathrow Retail Academy and its recruitment processes, such as Routes to Work, have placed over 2,500 staff at the airport’s retail units.  Around 90% of them live within the five neighbouring boroughs that form the priority area for BAA Heathrow’s local labour strategy.

Karima Sakhi, Heathrow Retail Academy Manager, said: “We’re delighted to accept the National Big Tick award in recognition of the contribution that the Retail Academy has made to local employment and raising skill levels in Heathrow’s neighbouring communities.

“The Retail Academy is an innovative and strategic approach to bringing employers and employees together in a co-ordinated way. We’re not only concerned with overcoming barriers to employment, but ensuring that a retail job becomes a sustainable career with progression opportunities.

“The Heathrow Retail Academy works hard to offer individuals the chance to receive valuable training to help them grow in confidence, build skills and improve career prospects.  After all, motivated staff who feel valued are more likely to provide better customer service; and the offer of career development is central to staff retention, which is particularly important for airport employers.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: “I congratulate The Heathrow Retail Academy on achieving their Big Tick. It has been a difficult 12 months for business, but this is a sign that companies are not losing their focus on making a positive impact on people and planet, and are prepared to lead by example. That’s what Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence are all about – celebrating responsible business, the leadership that makes it happen, and the benefits to the business and society of doing so. Consumers need to see that businesses are proactive, visible and engaged on the big issues of the day, as the Heathrow Retail Academy has demonstrated.”