A Gwent based optical manufacturer has been awarded a prestigious accolade for its dedication and commitment to creating an equitable and flexible workforce.

Bedwas-based Lenstec was recognised as an ‘Exemplar Employer’ by the charity Chwarae Teg, which makes the award to businesses and organisations which display excellent employment practices, including dedication to equality and diversity in the workplace.

Chwarae Teg works to create an environment in Wales in which women can achieve and prosper and, as a key part of this, promotes progressive employment practices.

Lenstec received the award for its adoption of flexible working practices and dedication to management training in equality and diversity. The company is one of the largest optical manufacturers in the UK and specialises in the production of lenses and lens finishing services.

Lenstec received their Exemplar Employer award at an event at the Village Hotel, Swansea. The business is the latest to be formally recognised as ‘Exemplar Employers’ through the European Social Fund and Welsh Government-funded Agile Nation project which is run by Chwarae Teg.

The Exemplar Employer Awards were established in 2013 and previous recipients include Oakdale-based electrical company, JR & Ag Diack Ltd who won the award for its implementation of good diversity practices.

The Award recognises organisations and businesses throughout Wales that go above and beyond their legal responsibilities in employment particularly in equality and diversity. The Award is designed to showcase businesses that have demonstrated best practice in their commitment towards creating equitable and flexible workplaces.

The award scheme is open to any business based in Wales, or a Wales-based business unit of a larger organisation. Employers that are actively putting into place workplace policies and practices that promote an inclusive and diverse workplace are encouraged to visit www.agilenation.co.uk/exemplar-employer/ and download the application forms to apply for the award.

Catherine Gate, senior project officer at Chwarae Teg, congratulated the firms which secured the respected award. She said: “These businesses recognise the real value of putting equality and diversity at the heart of what they do. Adopting remote working practices and flexible working hours has been shown to improve productivity and make enterprises more sustainable.”