CHEERS!: Joan Halse, PA to the chairman and managing director at Daniel Thwaites Plc, collects the firm's award from John Eatough, of Napthens Solicitors
RARELY does an international company maintain its family and community roots, but Daniel Thwaites has achieved that and more.
The Blackburn business's social commitment earned it the Community Development Award.
For nearly 50 years the brewing firm has been proving there is more to the business than just producing beer.
With a workforce of 350 and a turnover of over £162million, the company is perhaps more well known for its ales and being one of the town's major employers.
But for many others in the area Thwaites has made a real difference to their lives through its community schemes.
Hundreds of students have enjoyed the trip of a lifetime thanks to the Daniel Thwaites Scholarship, which was set up by the company's president John Yerburgh.
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The scheme gives 18 to 21-year-olds the chance to experience life in different countries across the world - including Brazil, Costa Rica and India - by living with a family, learning different cultures and taking part in a community project.
But the firm also focuses on helping its local community.
Joan Halse is PA to the managing director and chairman, but has also headed up the Thwaites Charitable Trust and scholarship scheme for eight years.
She described how many lives the company has touched through the trust, which was launched in 1994 and is funded by a percentage of Thwaites' previous year's profits.
Mrs Halse said: "It's often the small things that make all the difference.
"It's wonderful to send youngsters off to far-flung countries and see them return as adults.
"But it is just as wonderful to see the difference made by buying a bingo machine for homes for the elderly, or a dishwasher for a community group, or sensory equipment for a school.
"We help such a diverse range of groups and individuals."
Some of the organisations that have benefited from the scheme in the past have included Burnley Boys' Brigade, Clitheroe's Drop In Centre and the Red Cross.
Mrs Halse says the strong family roots of Thwaites are a major factor in its community work.
She added: "The company is still very family orientated and with that comes a desire to help the community.
"Thwaites is a big employer but they want to give back too.
"We're delighted to get the award, but I think most people in business try to give back what they can.
"I think Lancashire people are like that, community-minded.
"We'll continue to do whatever we can for whoever approaches us for our help."
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