A Welsh Government cabinet secretary has praised a Newport project for its work in the community.
Rebecca Evans MS, the cabinet secretary for economy, energy, and planning, visited Eden Gate to see the work of Business in the Community (BITC).
She was given a tour of the training and skills centre, which is supported by City & Guilds.
BITC Cymru works with more than 200 companies in Wales, offering advice and support to improve their business practices.
With Welsh Government support, BITC has expanded its reach, engaging with a wider range of businesses and SMEs.
The government funding has allowed BITC to organise more than 20 events over the past three years, with more than 3,000 attendees and direct engagement with over 300 business leaders.
In Newport, BITC’s Place programme has helped more than 7,000 people and worked with 30 local businesses and 150 charities and schools to improve access to employment, skills acquisition, and health.
Rebecca Evans MS said: “Business in the Community plays a vital role raising standards in business practices across Wales.
“I have very much enjoyed my visit to Eden Gate in Newport to see for myself the impact of BITC’s work in the local community and meet those that are committed to the key principles of fair work, diversity and inclusion and green growth.
“I look forward to continuing the relationship between BITC and the Welsh Government and following BITC’s work in other communities across Wales.”
Tracy Rees, Wales director at Business in the Community, said: “BITC’s mission is to transform lives and help communities across the UK to thrive.
“Support from the Welsh Government is helping us to work with businesses across Wales, shaping their responsible business journey so that together we can create a fairer and greener world, driven by fairer and greener businesses.”