Wales are taking part in a major footballing competition for the first time since 1958 when Euro 2016 kicks off in France on Friday.

Fans from across the country are gearing up to watch the three group matches, one of which takes place during working hours. And, of course, there are many other games featuring other home nations throughout the month-long festival of football.

Business Argus asked local business people who they would be supporting and if they would be letting their staff watch any of the working-hours games - including Walve v England on June 16.

Dan Smith, director, M4 Property Consultants, Newport

We’ve (in Wales) have waited quite some time to make the finals of a competition so we will be supporting Wales as much as possible. We are planning on utilising the opportunity to be sociable with some of our clients / suppliers and meet up to watch the games that are on during work hours. It would be great if Wales could get through to the latter stages and even better if we beat England!

Kate Richards, territory manager, Budget Vets, Newport

I am English woman living and working in Wales so I might have the radio on in the background in my office when England are playing during the working day but I also want Wales to do well. There doesn’t seem to have been the pre-event hype of previous tournaments which I find a bit strange since both Wales and Northern Ireland are playing for the first time. It’s a bit difficult to let customer facing staff watch matches during the day as they have appointments to fulfil and animal care can’t wait.

John Newell, director, Kingston Newell Estate Agents, Newport

Wales appearing in the Euro’s for the first time is a fantastic achievement. I hope Mr Bale and co can make it through the group stage and after that, who knows – could we do a Greece? There is not much interest in watching the football in the office so matches during the day shouldn’t be a problem although I suspect when play England, there may be a lull in productivity!

Gareth Waters, director, BrandNuCreative, Cwmbran

Being Welsh, then there’s only one obvious choice of team to support, and that’s going to be Wales! For Welsh footballing fans, this is going to be a massive couple of weeks for us and the excitement is starting to build. From a business point of view the tournament has its pros and cons. It’s going to be great for local pubs and bars who should see a big benefit, especially when the home nations are playing. However, it may cause some staffing issues with the daytime kick offs, especially the Wales v England game which is a Thursday 2pm start! However, as it’s something we don’t get to do very often, there will be an exception in our office and we'll look forward to having the afternoon off to watch the game.

Daniel Morgan-Jones, Simply Factoring Brokers, Newport

It would be considered a crime if I supported anyone else than my home team. It's a fantastic opportunity for both the team and all us Welsh fans to compete at an international level, We couldn't possibly miss it .Simply Factoring Brokers will be surrounding the TV on June 16 definitely.

Malcolm Jeremiah, BPW Insurance, Newport

Having been a keen football supporter all my life and being Welsh European Championship qualification is like a dream come true and will be going over to France to support Wales for the England game as well as attending the Russia game in Toulouse which can’t come quick enough.

Hopefully we can cause a few surprises and a win over England would be absolutely epic! Come on Wales. #togetherstronger

Rob Stock, director, Stock IT, Newport

We will be allowing our staff to watch the Wales games during office hours, if they desire, to witness Welsh football history.

The company will be supporting the Welsh during the tournament, which should be a wonderful spectacle of the Europeans best football stars.

Haydn Thomas, of Hutchings and Thomas Chartered Surveyors, Newport

I don't have a problem at all with people wanting to watch or listen to the Wales games at the Euros, especially the crucial Wales V England game, atwork on the TV, radio, online or whatever. The games are not on for long and in any case how often does Wales qualify for such a prestigious finals? Frankly I think it's a bit Dickensian for employers to refuse to allow their people to watch the game. We'll certainly be cheering the boys on to glory.