A host of top-performing Newport companies and individuals have been nominated in the 17th Welsh Contact Centre Awards, announced by the Welsh Contact Centre Forum ahead of March’s event.

Shared Service Centre Ltd, formerly Ministry Of Justice, is up for awards for Outsourced Contact Centre, Support Team of the Year, People Engagement and Technology/MI/Facilities. The organisation also has Kate Brown up for Customer Service Advisor of the Year and Andrew Holding for Team Leader of the Year.

Lloyds Banking Group is in the running for the Diverse Workplace award, while Aaron Shaw is in contention in the Support Person of the Year: HR/Comms category.

The awards celebrate both individuals and companies for their achievements over the last 12 months in Wales’ thriving contact centre industry.

The ceremony has been hosted by Alan Carr, David Walliams and John Barrowman in recent years and organisers are keeping the name of 2015’s celebrity guest under wraps, to be revealed in front of the 700-strong crowd on the night.

Sandra Busby, managing director of the Welsh Contact Centre Forum, said: “It’s hard to believe it, but the Welsh Contact Centre Awards are 17 years young this year. The shortlist we’ve announced today is stronger than ever and testament to the resilience and vibrancy of one of Wales’ most important sectors. As usual, there’s a strong showing from Newport based companies and individuals in the shortlist.

“The Welsh contact centre industry is one of the only to have seen continued growth and inward investment over the past few years, bringing around £650m a year into the Welsh economy. These awards are the perfect way to highlight and promote the industry and the contribution it makes to Wales.”

The winners announced at the Wales Millennium Centre on March 6.