A Newport-based structural steel company has become the first business in Wales to sign up for a new initiative aimed at getting employers actively involved in promoting equality across the workforce.

AIC Steel, which employs just over 100 people, is the first new supporter of Chwarae Teg, the charity set up to create an environment in which women can achieve and prosper.

The organisation says its research shows firms with more equal and diverse workforces are more productive and profitable. This, they say, is leading more employers to implement work practices that enable both men and women to achieve their full potential.

Now, for the first time, the charity has invited individual employers to sign up as official supporters of its work and to champion the case for flexible working, fairer career progression and other measures which underpin equality and diversity.

This brought an immediate response from the fast-growing Newport firm, which says it is eager to provide genuine equal opportunities for both genders as it expands its design and manufacturing operations, located next to the city’s iconic Transporter Bridge.

The company, which provides structural steelwork solutions for prestigious construction projects nationwide, recently celebrated its 100th staff appointment.

Although only 11 current employees are female, AIC wants to promote its industry to women and will be working with schools and universities to show a new generation the broad spectrum of opportunities now available in this traditionally male-dominated sector.

At present the company is recruiting for a wide range of skilled staff from structural engineers and estimators to technicians, fabricators and welders.

Sarah Morrey, HR manager at AIC Steel, said: “We feel very enthusiastic about becoming the first official employer supporter of Chwarae Teg because we want to demonstrate publically our commitment to creating equal opportunities in the workplace, especially as we place such importance on the personal development of our staff. Being an equal opportunities employer is of the upmost importance to us and, though our sector is historically associated with men, we continually strive to maintain an environment and career structure that is attractive to both men and women.

“To be able to align ourselves with the work of Chwarae Teg is a valuable opportunity to be an employer of choice for both genders and influence other businesses to adopt the same approach.”