First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has visited Nantgarw contact centre Connect Assist to mark the company’s ninth birthday.
The firm, established in 2005, provides specialist helplines and digital services for over 50 third and charity sector organisations across the UK, such as The Royal British Legion, Barnardo’s and Grocery Aid.
The First Minister was greeted by Connect Assist’s CEO Patrick Nash and given a tour of the centre, before he cut the cake to celebrate the anniversary. As part of the visit, the First Minister met some of the company’s staff including those who had joined after a period of long-term unemployment.
The company, which employs 118 people, has experienced rapid expansion recently, creating 31 new jobs in the last two years. It has also announced turnover figures of £3.8 million, representing growth of 27% in the past 12 months.
Connect Assist has been supported by a number of grants from the Welsh Government and is committed to providing meaningful employment in the South Wales Valleys, with half of its workforce joining after a period of unemployment.
Patrick Nash, CEO of Connect Assist, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome the First Minister to our centre as part of our ninth birthday celebrations.
“The Welsh Government has been a fantastic support to us, in the form of grants and assistance, and helped us to create over 100 important jobs for people in our last nine years.
“As a social business, we are strongly committed to creating employment and up-skilling the local area, as well as supporting charities and third sector organisations to improve the way they help their users.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones said:
“I was delighted to join Connect Assist to celebrate their ninth anniversary and meet staff who provide the key helpline and digital advice services to the public and third sectors.
“I’m pleased the Welsh Government has been able to provide help and financial assistance to enable this social business grow and provide important skilled jobs in the area.”
The Welsh Government recently provided a £150,000 grant from the Wales Economic Growth Fund, which brings the total support since March 2012 to £373,000. It has also received £10,000 for skills support from the Department for Education and Skills.