As one of the largest employers in England's north west, AstraZeneca is very much part of, and integrated with, the local community. We have a long-standing tradition of supporting communities and charities in the surrounding area with a wide range of initiatives and sponsorships.

Working closely with the AstraZeneca manufacturing facility at Macclesfield, employees from Alderley Park give their time, their skills and their enthusiasm to support a broad cross-section of the community.

For example, over 200 members of staff volunteered to help with a fun day for a local Special School, Many employees also gave hands-on assistance to refurbish the same school during a half-term holiday. These personal commitments are over and above the financial backing provided by the company.

A typical year would see contributions to projects ranging from hospital appeals to helping local youngsters experience a week's Outward Bound activity course. One recent donation enabled primary school teachers and pupils to receive expert coaching from Macclesfield Town Football Club. Several local sports and arts organisations or performances are sponsored by AstraZeneca, including Macclesfield Rugby Union Club and the Royal Northern College of Music.

North west employees are also encouraged to become involved in community-based charitable activities through a Matched-Funding Scheme, whereby individuals' efforts in fundraising may be matched by a Company donation.

As a large site, employing over 4,500 people, each of whom has to travel to work, we do all we can to minimise our impact on the local roads network. For example, we have established a company travel plan to encourage 'green' commuting. This 'Drivers for Change' project has investigated, publicised and introduced car sharing, inter and intra site buses, arranged improved public bus services and provided better cyclist and jogger changing facilities. 'Drivers for Change' was a joint winner of a Commuter Initiative Award, organised by the Association for Commuter Transport.