Health and social care provider Shaw healthcare has won a national finance industry accolade in recognition of the excellence of one of its finance teams.

Shaw’s income and credit control section was named In-house Collection Team of the Year (Consumer) by the Institute of Credit Management at a prestigious London ceremony.

The team from the firm, which is based at St Mellons, near Newport, beat off strong competition from finalists Brightside Group, Invocas Group and MBNA to take the top-slot at the ICM British Credit Awards, which are the recognised standard in the credit and collections industry.

Shaw healthcare has previously won national awards for its care teams’ achievements in specialist, dementia and over 50s care, but this marks the first time it has entered and won a finance award.

Julia Price, income credit manager at Shaw, said: “I am incredibly proud of my team. It was the first time we’ve entered the ICM awards and it means a lot to us. We have a complex client group, with individuals paying relatively small amounts for the care of their loved ones, alongside organisations commissioning us to provide care on their behalf.

“This accolade is recognition of the hard work and professionalism of every member of the team in building a tremendous relationship with all our clients and maintaining a strong cash flow position, particularly when money is tight for the NHS and local authorities.

“It is also much needed recognition for a Wales-based company.”

Shaw healthcare is one of the UK’s leading health and social care provider, with more than 80 care facilities across the country. It employs more than 4,600 people to provide care to individuals in nursing and residential homes, hospitals, supported living arrangements, extra care schemes and domiciliary care settings.

Headquartered in St Mellons, Cardiff, it provides services ranging from intensive care through to low level support in the community for older people and adults with physical, sensory or mental health support needs.