A Cwmbran printing company which lets its staff work flexibly has been awarded for being a top employer.

Gwasg Pia Cyf based in Victoria Street, which is Britain’s leading specialist in braille and other accessible printing, was awarded the Evolve Exemplar Employer accolade by the women’s economic development charity, Chwarae Teg.

The Evolve Exemplar Employer Award is part of Chwarae Teg’s £12.5m European Social Fund and Welsh Government-funded Agile Nation project.

To get an award you have go ‘above and beyond’ the law to introduce flexible and modern ways of working.

Pia, which received its award at Chwarae Teg’s anniversary celebration, was praised for not simply complying with equality and diversity legislation, but ensuring best practice by implementing policies, including flexible and remote working, which increases its staff’s efficiency.

The company’s managing director Sharon Williams was presented with the award  by Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, who was the charity’s first chief executive in 1992 and is a lifelong champion of equality and diversity.

Sharon said: “We have been able to implement new policies and practices, involving all staff in decisions that affected them and the business. We also wanted our commitment to be visible to staff and customers so this was supported by a transparent monitoring and evaluation process.

“This was driven by our desire for a totally inclusive business that is flexible to the additional demands being placed on us as a growing company.”

Joy Kent, chief executive of Chwarae Teg, congratulated the firm saying: “As a small business, Sharon and the team have achieved a great deal on a small budget. They recognised a clear business case to creating a working environment where staff feel valued and part of the business. By being a flexible and fair employer Piacontinue to get the best out of their colleagues and retain all their talented and committed staff.”

To find out more information about the Exemplar Employer Awards visit Agile Nation’s website.