A Newport-based accountancy firm has fought off tough competition to oversee the accounts of one of South Wales’s biggest construction projects, worth more than £80m.

Kilsby Williams won the contract to work on the landmark International Convention Centre Wales project through a competitive tender process and has worked closely with the development team throughout the construction phase.

With capacity for more than 5,000 delegates, ICC Wales will be a game-changing venue for the country when it comes to fruition this summer, thanks in part to the role played by numerous local suppliers, including accountancy experts, Kilsby Williams.

Kilsby Williams, which is based at Celtic Springs, has been closely involved throughout the construction process, offering objective advice over financial procedures and internal controls while also attending audit committee meetings.

Mark Colcomb, vice president, finance and support at ICC Wales, said: “We have worked with Kilsby Williams at Celtic Manor before, so we were aware of the organisation and the calibre of their work. This is an incredibly important project and we wanted to work with the finest local suppliers and service providers available to ensure that the project operates to the highest possible standard.”

Simon Tee, managing partner, Kilsby Williams, said: “The Celtic Manor has long been a focus for investment into south east Wales and we are thrilled to be working with ICC Wales on this flagship project.

“Through our industry-specific expertise, we have been able to assist the team, ensuring that they are not only compliant, but also maximising all the opportunities available to them.”

The convention centre, which has been jointly funded by the Welsh Government, Celtic Manor Resort and NatWest, to a sum of £83.7m, will provide total floor space for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and events of 26,000 sq m.

Operated as a 50/50 partnership between the Welsh Government and the Celtic Manor Resort, the centre will house a 1,500-seat auditorium and the largest pillar-free ballroom in Europe, capable of hosting 2,400 people for a gala dinner.