Celtic Manor Resort wins national award for community impact
Celtic Manor Resort wins national award for community impact
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Celtic Manor Resort has been recognised for its extensive community work after winning the Extra Mile Award at the 2025 Hotel Cateys, one of the UK hospitality industry’s top honours.
The South Wales five-star resort received the accolade at a ceremony held at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on 24 November.
The award acknowledges the resort’s leading role in the Newport Place Programme, a Business in the Community (BITC) initiative aimed at tackling inequality and supporting disadvantaged communities across Newport.
Celtic Manor and the wider Celtic Collection committed to the programme following a “Seeing is Believing” visit to some of the city’s most deprived areas in 2023.
Over the past year, the resort has significantly stepped up its involvement, with almost all of its 990 permanent employees contributing to a series of community projects.
Among the most impactful initiatives are the production of 2,000 meals each month for homeless and vulnerable people, the transformation of derelict gardens into a community allotment, and annual festive events for disadvantaged children in Pillgwenlly.
Staff have also donated and installed digital equipment in community centres, introduced WiFi to a local hostel, upcycled furniture for community groups, and run ongoing clothes and toy donation drives.
Accepting the award alongside managers from the Celtic Collection, Alassim Mohamed, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Business in the Community, said: “I’ve had the privilege of seeing The Celtic Collection’s impact in Newport up close, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring.
“Their support has reached every corner of the community, from tackling food poverty and improving access to education and training, to creating spaces that bring people together and providing care, clothing and comfort to those who need it most.
“They’ve used their expertise, creativity and resources to make a tangible difference, not just through one initiative, but through a consistent, heartfelt commitment to Newport and its people.
“The people of this city will never forget the generosity, compassion and determination the Celtic Collection has shown.
“They are truly driving real, transformational change, proving what’s possible when a business leads with purpose and heart.”
Professor Simon Gibson CBE, Chief Executive of Wesley Clover Wales and a Celtic Manor Resort board member, also chairs the Newport Place Programme.
He said: “When we first engaged with the Newport community, particularly in areas like Pill, we gave the community the opportunity to tell us what they needed, and the insights we received were invaluable.
“What we found was that many families were struggling with the basics. It’s hard to think about long-term opportunities when children aren’t getting regular meals.
“So, the resort stepped in, producing thousands of meals, creating events for children, and providing training for adults. It’s a clear demonstration of how businesses can make a real impact when they listen and respond to the true needs of the community.
“What businesses gain from this engagement is not just a sense of corporate responsibility, but also a deep sense of pride and fulfilment among the team.
“The satisfaction that comes from meaningful service in the community, knowing you’re helping to improve people’s lives, is unmatched.”
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