A CLEANING service in Barry, which “changes people’s lives”, is up for a prestigious business award.

Sparkles is a little bit different to other employers. It doesn’t just take people on on minimum wage and turn them around in the transient sector of the cleaning industry, instead the company, based at the Goodsheds in Barry, do that bit more for their employees.

At Sparkles people are the heart of the business and are paid above the minimum wage regardless of age or experience. Sparkles is a living wage accredited company and does profit shares twice yearly. 

The company offers training to employees to ensure that they are 'Job Ready', especially for those who have been out of employment for long periods of time, and are proud to work with local hubs Elite, Serco, Maximus, Remploy and many other organisations regarding training and recruitment.

They are also award-winning, having won The CIPD award 2021 for Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative and The Business Growth award for People Development 2021, and the Employee of choice award from the Living Wage Foundation 2022, The 2023 Business Growth Business Service Excellence.

Now Sparkles is in the running for the Workplace Wellbeing Award at the Wales Business Awards.

Wales Business Awards highlight the best of business in Wales across all sizes and sectors

Hundreds of businesses across Wales enter to compete in one of Wales’ most prestigious accolades every year, and this year is particularly special, being the 20th anniversary year.

Paul Butterworth, interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said congratulated all involved.

“We would like to congratulate those who have secured their places as finalists in this special anniversary year and look forward to announcing the winners in May,” said Mr Butterworth.

“Do good for people and they will do good for you”

Founder of the business Ceri Jennings revealed that at Sparkles, people really do matter.

“What we do differently? Lots of things,” said Ms Jennings. “We look after our staff, when we take someone on we give them the option of how they want to get paid, we help people back into work and we go the extra mile for anyone who gets employment with us.

“It’s all about treating people the best we can because if you treat people well they will do the right thing for you.”

The winners will be announced at a glitzy award ceremony hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne at the ICC Wales on 18 May. One finalist will also be awarded the ‘Wales Business of the Year’ award, sponsored by Atradius, during the evening.

Tickets for the ceremony can be booked via https://my.cw-seswm.com/calendar_detail.html?eid=A4718C92-F424-4627-90BF-983C3843A5AE.