With the judging of the inaugural South Wales Argus Business Awards now complete and the shortlist drawn up, we meet some more of the companies and organisations which have stepped up as sponsors.

Contribution to the Community Award: Monmouthshire Building Society

SUPPORTING communities in its heartland of Gwent and South Wales is very important to Monmouthshire Building Society, a financial services provider based in Newport.

The society, which employs some 200 people, has its headquarters in Friars Walk, Newport, also has branches and agencies across South Wales

Laura Harvey, of Monmouthshire Building Society, said: “The society feels strongly about supporting local initiatives, and is pleased to be involved with the community award this year.

"Supporting the communities around our heartlands is so important for us, and we are looking forward to congratulating the winner.

“These kind of awards are important for businesses and individuals as everyone is so busy day to day that we often forget to take time to celebrate the great work being done. These awards are a fantastic way to celebrate everything that is great about the businesses and individuals working in and around Gwent.

“Recognition helps attract and retain talent, raises brand awareness and high fives individuals for a job well done.

“We believe it’s important for businesses and organisations, such as ourselves, to sponsor and support local businesses in this way. It can often be tough in the business world so it’s great to be able to show our support in this way. All businesses need to help each other to get on I this every increasingly competitive world.

“Winning an award, if nothing else, gives the feel good factor to be recognised. It is also a great opportunity to network at these types of events.

“The society has won and been commended for many a mortgage award over the years. It is a real boost to everyone in the business when that happens.”

Large Business of the Year Award: Thomas Carroll Group plc

MULTI-faceted professional services business Thomas Carroll Group plc has leant its strong support as a sponsor of the South Wales Argus Business Awards.

Founded in 1972, Thomas Carroll Group plc is a chartered and independent provider of business and personal insurance broking, wealth management, health, safety and employment law.

Thomas Carroll Newport is based in the Clytha Park district of Newport. The business also has offices in Caerphilly, Swansea, Haverfordwest, Hereford and London.

The professional services business employs 150 people across its six offices.

Thomas Carroll Group plc group marketing manager Laura Willis said it is supporting the South Wales Argus Business Awards to affirm its support to the Newport business community.

Laura said: “We believe awards such as these are important for businesses and individuals as they provide Recognition for local businesses and individuals that are striving for and exceeding high standards.

"Recognition at prestigious awards such as these is important for businesses and individuals as they serve to demonstrate success, high customer service standards, striving for excellence and contribution to the local business community.

“We are proud to be associated with supporting the growth of other Newport businesses and local projects. These awards provide a great opportunity to showcase local talent and to celebrate success

“Thomas Carroll Group plc recognise the importance of such awards as we have been recipients of awards in the past. Winning awards is important as they provide recognition for our people for all of their hard work and dedication to clients.”

Innovative Business of the Year Award: Western Power Distribution

WESTERN Power Distribution strongly believes awards are an excellent way to celebrate success, innovation and talent in business.

WPD is the electricity distribution network operator for South Wales, the South West of England and the Midlands

The power distribution firm has several offices and depots across its regions. In Wales WPD is located in Cwmbran, Brecon, Cardiff, Church Village, Swansea, Haverfordwest and Carmarthen.

WPD employs a total of some 6,500 people across all its regions. Around 1,000 staff are based in Wales.

Karen Welch, of WPD, said: “We believe the awards are a fitting way to recognise businesses and to celebrate their success, innovation and talent.

"The awards are an ideal way for businesses and individuals to promote themselves, raising their profiles by showcasing their talents. The awards also provide an opportunity for entrants to measure themselves against similar businesses.

"Winning an award or being nominated enhances reputation and raises profile. It may encourage others to want to use an award winner’s service which in turn could have a positive effect on future profitability and stability.

“We believe it is the responsibility of large organisations like ours to play a full and active role in the communities served by us. The awards are a positive showcase for businesses who aspire to be the best at what they do by highlighting their achievements."

WPD is no stranger to winning awards itself.

“WPD is Ofgem’s leading performer in its annual customer satisfaction measurement – a position it has held for the last seven years.

“WPD is regulated by Ofgem (the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets) and has held the Government’s Charter Mark, now known as the Customer Service Excellence award since 1992 – the only utility to have done so. Our success is intrinsically linked with our customer service ethos of getting it right, ‘first time, every time.’

“WPD also holds the national Action on Hearing Loss (AOHL) Louder than Words Charter Mark. WPD was also awarded an Excellence award in this year’s AOHL Cymru Awards.”