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businessupdate News…


Newport-based Monmouthshire Building Society, one of Wales’ largest and most successful financial institutions, has been been highly commended as aRegional Lending Provider of the Year at the 2013 Moneyfacts Awards. The society’s commendation and


additional nomination in the category of Best Longer Term Fixed Rate Mortgage Provider reflects the ongoing excellence and quality of our mortgage lending service.


Moneyfacts’ highly-coveted awards are


totally independent, are presented annually for product excellence and outstanding service, and cover products from across the range of financial services. The winners were announced at a


ceremony in London. Andrew Lewis, chief executive, said: “The society has consistently offered


Vets


competitive high quality products, which combined with our prudent management, have allowed us to maintain our strong and enviable track record for mortgage lending. “On aregional level in particular, we


have developed awell-regarded reputation for the support we offer to local first time buyers attempting to make those all- important first steps onto the property ladder”. In the past year, Monmouthshire


Building Society has been recognised across avariety of awards bodies, with the its website receiving an Online Retail Award, and its online savings capability being shortlisted by the Financial Services Forum Awards. In addition, the Society’s commitment


to community services was highly commended by the 2013 Mortgage Finance Gazette Awards.


Monmouthshire Building Society chief executive Andrew Lewis with Jim White, Sky Sports presenter and host of the awards ceremony


secures IIP status


Alocal veterinary care provider, which has branches in Newport among others, has been recognised for exceptional staff investment with the Investors in People silver accreditation. Budget Vets has


become only the second practice in Wales to secure this good practice standard. To qualify Budget Vets demonstrated positive management of change, effective communication, constructive feedback, succession planning and career progression. Investors in People


specialises in transforming business performance through people, by establishing astandard of good practice based on each organisation’s priorities. Budget Vets’ performance against the standard was assessed entirely by interviewing with their workforce. The report created by


Investors in People stated that Budget Vets’ staff “are ‘given achance to prove themselves’ and that they are fully supported. They also described how they feel ‘very much apart’ of Budget Vets and are happy with the job security that this brings.”


Kickstartscheme helps ITcompany E


xperienced IT consultant Dean Simmonds has launched anew service for businesses in South Wales. Dean, formerly IT manager


withamajor consultancy firm in the area, already has arange of clients, and is delighted with the response he has received. Parkhouse IT, based in Newport,


has been supported by the Kickstart programme, run jointly by Tata subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Centre for Business. The firm received agrant of £250,


which helped in the start up phase. “It was most helpful and the money


was used to buy some of the essentials needed to get the business off the ground,” said Dean. Parkhouse works with companies


and individuals, installing and maintaining IT equipment and networks, and has been awarded an exclusive dealership for South Wales with one of the major VoIP solution providers.” “It is essential to have the right


equipment and employ it properly in today’s competitive world,” said Dean. “All too often people buy


equipment and do not use it to its full potential.” Andrea Rogerson-Hewett, of UK


Steel Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Dean in this venture and wish him all success.”


Andrea Rogerson-Hewett with Dean Simmonds 6,500hotspotsin the city


BT Wi-fi has announced that it has reached more than 245,000 hotspots in Wales, of which more than 6,500 are in Newport. Across theUKand Ireland the company has added more than


20,000 new hotspots each week over the past year taking the total to five million. BT saw more than 400 million connections across its wi-fi network in 2012/13 and latest figures show users’ online wi-fi time is increasing.


Newport, a smart and connectedcity. www.newportsmartandconnectedcity.co.uk


in association with


Tuesday July 9, 2013 Society picksupawardscommendation


One Gold Tops Newport NP20 4PG


T: 01633 844141 W: www.newportunlimited.co.uk


More deals are done


A61per cent increase in the number of completed conveyancing deals in May compared to the same month last year can be attributed to the continued improvement of market conditions in the housing sector and an investment in new software according to Mark


Hobbs, managing partner at Howells Solicitors, which has a base in Newport. “Low


interest rates and


improved bank lending are two of the key economic factors responsible for this increase” said Mr Hobbs. “There has been arise in the number


Mark Hobbs


of first time buyers who have been saving for their mortgage deposits and are now taking advantage of the low interest rates and Funding for Lending Scheme. “Clients are also perhaps alittle


apprehensive that interest rates might change and that house prices could begin to rise again so they want to take advantage of the current conditions.” Howells has also launched its own


bespoke software that provides instant conveyancing quotes to clients with afull breakdown of fees with no hidden extras. The new software was commissioned by the law firm following the success of its online divorce packages. Mr Hobbs said: “The market is


changing and becoming more competitive especially since the launch of Alternative Business Structures. “We wanted to improve our


customer service and streamline our processes so that we can not only maintain our strong market position, we can also build on it.Weare also focusing on developing relationships with clients to encourage repeat business.” The increase in demand for both the conveyancing and divorce legal services provided by Howells has created five new positions with more to follow.


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