A team of South Wales accountants, including two from Newport, are well on their way to making a million – although not for themselves or their clients, but for youth charity The Prince’s Trust Cymru.

The number crunchers are working hard to make the figures add up to a £10,000 contribution to the charity’s £1m national target, and with less than half the allotted time gone, are already over half way towards their goal.

Jo Taylor and Claire Thompson, from the Newport office of independent professional advisors Broomfield & Alexander, have teamed up with colleagues Craig Yearsley, Rachael Sakkas, Linda Strange, Judy Mallen, Lynda Kendall, Liz Mounfield and Thomas Edwards, from Cardiff, and Rachael Ball, from Swansea, to take part in The Prince’s Trust Million Makers Challenge, which sees teams from companies across the UK competing to raise the most money.

Director Sarah Case said: “Our team has been tasked with raising £10,000 in six months using creativity, business acumen and planning skills. Before we could undertake the venture, we had to pitch our fundraising plans to a panel of business leaders ‘Dragon’s Den’ style for approval.

“It’s been a great opportunity for staff development to enhance team work, communications skills and leadership qualities.”

Under the Challenge’s rules, the Broomfield & Alexander team is 'competing' with Abertillery firm Tillery Valley Foods for the South Wales regional crown as a way of introducing a little friendly rivalry into proceedings as an incentive.

Regional winners attend a national final celebration, where the National Million Makers Champion will be revealed.

So far, the accountants have organised a quiz night at the Cardiff Blues attended by 186 businesses and organisations across Cardiff, a scavenger hunt, cake bakes for staff and businesses, a staff race night and other staff activities such as dress down days and sweepstakes, all of which have pulled in a profit of more than £6,200.

Other events coming up include a gala rugby quiz night at the Wales Millennium Stadium on October 28, just days before the Rugby World Cup final. Special guest Scrum V presenter Phil Steele will host an evening which will include an auction for a once in a lifetime rugby masterclass for a youth/school rugby team with the captain of the British Lions and Wales team, Sam Warburton.

Funds raised from the Million Makers challenge, which is supported by Capita, help The Prince’s Trust to change young lives.