MONMOUTHSHIRE Building Society and a solicitors’ firm were recognised at “responsible business” awards last night [June 25].

Eight companies scooped gongs in the annual gathering of The Prince’s Responsible Business Network at Cardiff City Stadium.

Winners included Monmouthshire Building Society, which won the Wales & West Utilities building stronger communities award.

Meanwhile, Harding Evans Solicitors in Newport and BBC Cymru Wales were named joint winners in the D?r Cymru inspiring young talent award category.

Michael Hayden, Barclays’ head of business and corporate banking for Mid & West Wales, became the new Prince’s Ambassador for Wales at the ceremony.

He takes over the role from Jonathan Smith who has been in post as the Prince’s Ambassador for the last three years.

The Prince of Wales said: “The Responsible Business Awards are always such a personal highlight for me each year because they provide an important opportunity to celebrate businesses at its best and to showcase practical examples of how it is helping to build a more harmonious society and a more sustainable future.

"Many of the businesses and individuals leading the way are represented in this year’s awards ceremony.”

The awards recognise companies demonstrating the significant commercial benefits of being a responsible business while tackling the social, economic and environmental challenges we face as a nation.