Left to right: Marten Lewis and Karen Wood from Dragon LNG

DRAGON LNG is celebrating a win at the Welsh Business Awards, organised by the South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce.

The terminal at Waterston, Milford Haven, picked up an award for Excellence in Community Relations at the event, which was again held at the National Museum for Wales, Cardiff.

Dragon LNG has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at contributing to the Pembrokeshire community. In addition to working with numerous charitable organisations, it supports programmes and activities with pupils at Milford Haven schools, including building children’s confidence and presentation skills via drama workshops; funding their attendance at a marine and earth summer school in Southampton; sponsoring the Pembrokeshire apprenticeship scheme and running a graduate programme for local, national and international students interested in the oil and gas industry.

Since 2005, the company has also supported science, technology, engineering and maths education in all Pembrokeshire schools and Pembrokeshire College, organising outdoor activity and classroom sessions as well as guest talks from inspirational scientists.

“Winning the Excellence in Community Relations award means a great deal to Dragon LNG because it not only recognises our continued dedication to youth development and training in Pembrokeshire but also the hard work of our many project partners,” said Karen Wood of Dragon LNG.

“We know providing these opportunities widens horizons, and raises aspirations and expectations. Our ultimate aim is to develop the next generation in Pembrokeshire, to ensure they can prosper, no matter what their economic background.”

The 2016 awards, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and sponsored by the University of South Wales, saw 35 businesses from a variety of sectors nominated for awards across 10 categories. The event was hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones for the second time.

“Given how challenging 2016 has been for many of our businesses, with continued uncertainty surrounding the impact of Brexit, it was inspiring to celebrate so much success tonight,” said Heather Myers, director of the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce.

“All 35 shortlisted businesses should be immensely proud of what they achieved in 2016, whether they left with a trophy or not. Their entrepreneurial spirit and never-say-die attitude have contributed to a more prosperous Wales and one that remains a firm contender in the global market.

“I’d like to thank the University of South Wales for sponsoring the event for another year, all of the category sponsors for their unyielding support, and everyone who worked so hard to ensure the evening was a triumph.”

Siwan Rees, director of USW Exchange at the University of South Wales, which sponsors the event, said: “We’re delighted to again support the Awards, and congratulate all of those who have either been shortlisted or go on to become winners.

“By focusing on increasing the SME contribution to the economy, developing students with relevant skills, and enhancing the status of the university as an institution for business, USW is a centre for collaboration and interaction, which builds links between industry and graduate talent.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns was a spokesperson at the awards. He said: “It’s because of the hard work and dedication of dynamic Welsh businesses, like those celebrated at the awards, that Wales has seen the fastest growth outside London since 2010.

“As a Government, we’re proud of supporting our job market. I’m delighted to say that there are 117,000 more private sector jobs in Wales than there were in 2010. These jobs have been created by the private sector, by entrepreneurs who take risks and have the drive to build businesses.

“I hope the Welsh business community continue to work together to ensure Wales remains a thriving location to do business.”

The winners of each category have the opportunity to progress to the British Chamber Awards when entries open in the Spring. Welsh businesses have traditionally performed well against UK-wide competition and a number have successfully secured a share of the prize money, which was £10,000 last year.