Moneypenny’s ‘Mind the Gap’ Foundation Shortlisted For Prestigious Business Awards

Wrexham-based telephone answering company, Moneypenny, has been shortlisted in a prestigious Awards programme which recognises the best in responsible business from across Wales.

The company, which is based on the Western Gateway in Wrexham, has made the shortlist for its ‘Mind The Gap’ initiative in the Wales Responsible Business Awards 2017.

The awards identify and celebrate the companies that are making a positive difference to the economic, social and environmental challenges Wales faces.

Moneypenny’s ‘Mind The Gap’ traineeships are designed to give unemployed, under-served young women in the local community new opportunities in life and work, and are the creation of Moneypenny Foundation, the company’s charitable arm.

Over six months of paid employment participants undertake work experience in a variety of employment sectors, as well as being given new experiences, life coaching, support and mentoring.

Rachel Clacher, co-founder of Moneypenny and the Moneypenny Foundation, said: “When we launched the Foundation three years ago, we could never have dreamed of being where we are today – with over 28 young people helped and the programme being rolled out into other areas in the North West and Wales.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award. It’s a testament to all who have worked to achieve its success, and to the wonderful trainees who we have seen transform into vibrant, confident young women.”

From creating stronger links with communities, to building more inclusive workplaces; from supporting young people into employment, to leading the way on sustainable resource management, the Awards are an opportunity for Welsh businesses to stand up and be counted as some of the most responsible companies across the country.

Matt Appleby, Director of Business in the Community Cymru added: “Our Awards have always identified and celebrated the very best of business – employers that are making a positive difference to the shared challenges of our nation and it is great to see so many different companies from across Wales making the shortlist.

“By working together, talking about what works and celebrating the best examples from business the 2017 Awards will show Wales, and the rest of the UK, that Welsh business is a force for good.

“On behalf of the Prince’s Responsible Business Network in Wales, I would like to congratulate all of the companies who have made it on to the shortlist – and we look forward to celebrating with everyone at our Gala Dinner in June.”

The Awards and Gala Dinner are sponsored by the Welsh Government, Wales & West Utilities, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, GE Aviation Wales and the NPTC Group of Colleges. Finance Wales kindly hosted the Awards judging day and Media Wales are the 2017 Awards media partner. Sponsorship and brand association opportunities related to the Gala Dinner are still available.

Set up in 2014, the Moneypenny Foundation is the charitable arm of Wrexham-based telephone answering service, Moneypenny.

Over the last three years, the Moneypenny Foundation has run three separate six-month Mind the Gap traineeships for unemployed young women in the Wrexham area, 70% of which have then moved into full-time work or education.