An Oakdale-based electrical company, JR & Ag Diack Ltd, has been honoured for putting equality, diversity and good employment practice at the heart of its

business.

The firm was among 31 Welsh employers from a broad spectrum of industries which were recognised as ‘Exemplar Employers’ under the EU-backed ‘Evolve’ programme, run by Chwarae Teg, the body which works to create an economy in which women can achieve and prosper.

All had undergone the Evolve programme which supports SMEs to develop diverse workforces, based equality, flexibility and learning.

By implementing good diversity practices – including the improvement of gender balance in the workforce, businesses which have taken part in Evolve have increased the size of the talent pool from which they can recruit and broadened their customer base.

Flexible working practices introduced through the programme are also intended to make workforces more productive, efficient and customer focused, with lower turnover and reduced absenteeism.

The newly recognised Exemplar Employers were presented with their awards by Deputy Minister for Skills & Technology, Ken Skates during a special ceremony in the Wales Millennium Centre.

Richard Diack, director of JR & AG Diack Ltd, said: “As a small, family run business providing electrical services we rely heavily on having technically skilled staff dedicated to providing excellent customer care and on-site service. This can only be achieved through a supported, motivated and loyal workforce. Ensuring our company practices are fair supports all staff towards achieving our business goals and growth in the future.”

Evolve Exemplar Employer Award is part of Chwarae Teg’s £12.5m European Social Fund and Welsh Government-funded Agile Nation project, and is designed to recognise businesses that have implemented progressive work practices that achieve equality and diversity.

Joy Kent, chief executive of Chwarae Teg, said: “These employers recognise the real value than comes from putting equality and diversity at the heart of what they do. There is a strong business case for adopting this approach because it has been shown to improve productivity and make enterprises more sustainable.

“I am delighted that we have so many exemplars employers from all across Wales this year and I congratulate each of them for their commitment to creating and progressing a diverse and flexible workforce.”