Tredegar-based Penn Pharmaceutical Services is committed to building community links throughout south Wales. The 28 year old company invests heavily in school and education initiatives and over the past 12 months has raised awareness of the science and bioscience sector in Wales though a number of carefully planned sponsorships.

Research completed by SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies) found that over a quarter of bioscience companies do not have the science skills they need in their existing workforce and 39% of companies are struggling to fill existing vacancies.

This is an issue that Penn is keen to address through sponsorship of key Welsh initiatives. Penn is working with the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative by sponsoring Science and Technology prizes; they have also joined forces with Christ College in Brecon to launch a joint scholarship scheme to provide more opportunities for young people to pursue a career in science. The scheme offers to pay all tuition fees for pupils, as well as personal mentoring from Penn and work experience opportunities at the company’s research facilities.

Continuing their ambition to endorse the area of science, Penn also sponsored an exhibition on pharmacology, pharmacy and pharmaceutical technology at the Science and Technology Pavilion at the Eisteddfod.

Jo McCafferty, Head of HR at Penn said: "The science and engineering sector is struggling to recruit skilled professionals so it is key that we do all we can to promote the importance of science among younger pupils. We are involved with SEMTA and together we are working together towards producing a Sector Skills Agreement for the Bioscience sector.

"Alongside the work we do with schools and colleges, Penn additionally provides support to businesses. Through the Inside Welsh Industry (IWI) group, we host numerous visits on site for local businesses and schools, including several departments of the Welsh Assembly."

Penn is also committed to playing an active part in supporting and sponsoring local projects and remains a responsible company with regards to the environment and the sustainability of its practices. With several initiatives, the company provides support to raise awareness of climate change.

Penn plays an active part in the UK Committee on Climate Change held in Cardiff. Participants include representatives from local and national businesses, and the programme is aimed at challenging businesses, public services and community groups to raise awareness of Climate Change. Penn supports this initiative and in 2008, presented a Paper on Carbon Reduction in Wales to the National Assembly for Wales Sustainability Committee.

Continuing to support the environment whilst simultaneously backing schools, Penn also recently sponsored the ‘Schools Environmental Award’ as part of the Blaenau Gwent Environmental Awards.

As a result of their efforts, successfully working towards minimizing the long term effects of climate change, Penn has recently been presented with the Level 5 Green Dragon Environmental Award by Arena Network.