May 19 2007 by Sion Barry, Western Mail

MOBILE phone direct seller Communications Direct was last night crowned Western Mail Welsh Company of the Year.

The rapidly expanding business, which has its headquarters in Cardiff and trades as CommsDirect, took the coveted 2007 title, sponsored by the University of Glamorgan Business School, at a glittering awards ceremony at Cardiff International Arena.

And there was also recognition for the chief executive of Newport-based financial services company Picture Financial, Neville Allport, who took the Business Achiever of the Year Award, sponsored by KPMG.

The awards, presented by political commentator and author John Sergeant, attracted an audience of about 700.

Established in 2003, CommsDirect is one of the fastest-growing independent sellers, in terms of direct sales, of third-generation mobile communications.

With a workforce of 400 at its Cardiff and Swansea call centres, it has more than 500,000 customers nationwide, and acts on behalf of leading mobile phone providers such as 3 and Orange.

The company’s managing director is Australian-born Matt Burge, who established the business with co-founder Mark Winchester, who recently agreed an exit.

The business is chaired by financier and entrepreneur Jeremy Stone, who holds a minority equity stake.

Last year it was recognised as the fastest-growing company in Wales by the Fast Growth 50 initiative, after increasing its turnover by 4,183% in its first three years. In the financial year to June, 2006, it reported revenues of £35m.

Mr Allport’s award was in recognition of the success of Picture Financial, which he established in 2004.

Under his stewardship the company has grown rapidly to become one of the UK’s leading secured consolidated credit providers in the UK market.

Mr Allport, who founded rival Firstplus before establishing Picture, was praised by the judges for his entrepreneurial zeal. In its current financial year the company is looking to drive customers – homeowners – across the UK towards the 50,000 mark.

There was also success for Picture Financial in the Welsh People Development of the Year category, sponsored by A4e.

The Welsh Innovative Company of the Year Award, sponsored by CADCentre and PKF, went to Newport-based Cintec International.

The company, which invests heavily in research, has patented a range of innovative structural steel anchors and reinforcement, many of which are used in historic buildings.

The Young Business Achiever of the Year title, sponsored by Uwic, went to the managing director of Newport-based waste management company venture GD Environmental Services, James Norvill.

Mr Norvill, aged 26, is focused on his company becoming a UK leader in its sector in five years’ time.

The Welsh Small Company of the Year Award, sponsored by LloydsTSB Insurance, went to Cardiff-based TrichoTech, which is a world leader in analysing hair samples for evidence of drug abuse. It is now focusing on global client expansion.

The Opportunity Wales eCommerce Award went to Pontypridd-based DecTek. The company manufacturers resin-domed labels, badged and decals.

More than 90% of new business is being generated through its website.

The Excellence in Marketing Award, sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, went to the Principality Building Society. The Cardiff-headquartered mutual dedicates 11% of its budget to marketing activities.

Busnes Dwyiethog-Bilingual Business, sponsored by Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg/Welsh Language Board, went to BT in recognition of its strong bilingual credentials.

The awards, in association with insurance group Admiral, last night celebrated their 10th anniversary.

The full list of who won what last night

Welsh People Development Company of the Year, sponsored by A4e, Picture Financial.

Busnes Dwyieithog-Bilingual Business, sponsored by Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg/Welsh Language Board, BT.

Welsh Company of the Year, sponsored by University of Glamorgan Business School, Communications Direct.

Business Achiever of the Year, sponsored by KPMG, chief executive of Picture Financial Neville Allport.

Welsh Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Insurance, TrichoTech

Young Business Achiever of the Year, sponsored by Uwic, James Norvill managing director of GD Environmental Services

Welsh Innovative Company of the Year, sponsored by CADCentre (UK) & PKF, Cintec International.

The Opportunity Wales eCommerce Award, sponsored by Opportunity Wales, DecTek

The Excellence in Marketing Award, sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, Principality Building Society.

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