The Wales Arts & Business Awards took place on Saturday 14th May at the iconic Millennium Centre, Cardiff. The glittering annual awards now in its 23rd year, celebrates the success in which businesses large and small and the arts collaborate to support the local community.

The ScottishPower Foundation was shortlisted and won the Arts, Business and Young People category. The judges were blown away by the commitment to two specific ScottishPower Foundation projects. The relationship with Theatr Clwyd had developed over 12 years and addresses a range of difficult issues with young people. 'Justice in a Day' and its sequel 'Connor’s Time' is targeted at students who are at risk of getting involved in criminal behaviour. Over the last three years over 2,400 young people have attended the interactive, hard-hitting workshops funded by the Foundation.

The ScottishPower Foundation has also funded the Only Boys Aloud choirs across North Wales which supports and develops the skills and confidence of some of the region’s most disaffected areas. Four choirs have been set up in Wrexham, Rhyl, Caernarfon and Holyhead. The choirs currently have 80 members and their next concert will be at Hampton Court, supporting opera singer Katherine Jenkins.

The ScottishPower Foundation was also a finalist for 'Company of the Year'.

The award was presented by Rakie Ayola, actress best known for her role in Casualty.

Photo from L–R: Emyr John (Theatr Clwyd), Roy Jones (ScottishPower Foundation), Eleri Watkins (Only Boys Aloud) & Rakie Ayola