A Newport businesswoman has been recognised for her charity efforts at the Young Enterprise Awards 2015 where she was awarded a gold award for outstanding contribution to the work of Young Enterprise.

Liz Maher, who is VAT director for Langstone-based tax consultancy Centurion VAT Specialists, has worked closely with Young Enterprise for 13 years and helps deliver inspiring enterprise education programmes.

She was presented the award by Young Enterprise chief executive Michael Mercieca at a ceremony at the Sherman Theatre.

Liz said: “I am honoured to have received this award. I have worked with Young Enterprise for a few years now and have always been passionate about the charity. At Centurion VAT, we believe it is important to support young individuals and help show them their full potential in the hope that it will inspire them to do more for their futures.”

The Young Enterprise Awards are held every year and celebrate the efforts of the young pupils who are involved. It is run by Young Enterprise UK which is the UK’s leading enterprise and financial education charity that gives young people the opportunity to experience different enterprise programmes and helps them develop new skills.

Centurion VAT Specialists was established in 1998 and was originally set up to work alongside the University of Wales, Newport. It has since grown to include five senior level VAT practitioners with over 145 years of experience combined and can offer expertise in sectors including education, third sector, house associations and manufacturing.

With offices at Langstone Business Park in Newport and Bristol, Centurion’s aim is to build on its existing reputation to become the largest independent VAT consultancy in Wales and the South West.