London, April 2008. Leading supply-chain manager, Achilles, has secured a place in the Outward Bound Charity Challenge Final.  Sponsored by the firm as part of its CSR program, the Challenge raises money for under-privileged young people to attend outdoor educational courses.

Every year over 40 major businesses put forward teams to take part in the competition, which has raised over £1 million in the past eleven years. This year's final is being held between the 18th and 20th of April at Gate House, in the Lake District and will involve an arduous series of physical and mental challenges, such as bridge construction, canoeing and orienteering.  The finalist teams will be invited to St James's Palace later this year, when HRH The Duke of York will present the winning team with the Charity Challenge Cup.

Colin Maund, CEO of Achilles Group Ltd said: "We are delighted to support the Charity Challenge, which is a key element of our CSR initiative. Over the last ten years we have developed a very close relationship with Outward Bound, participating in the Challenge for the third time in a row, and also working with Outward Bound Professional on executive programmes such as leadership development and team building for Achilles employees."

John McCarthy, Client Relationship Manager for Outward Bound said: "Companies participating in this challenge take it very seriously.  It is quite competitive but the atmosphere is fun and relaxed, which encourages team bonding."

Supporting Outward Bound is a key element of Achilles's CSR strategy.  The firm also raises money for Cancer Research UK and sponsors the Oxford-Achilles Working Group on Corporate Social Responsibility at the Saïd Business School, an initiative to bring debate and practical recommendations to CSR strategy.