As Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, the iconic cultural hub reflects on two decades of artistic excellence and community engagement. At the heart of its operations is a partnership spanning over ten years with Thomas Carroll, providing dedicated health and safety expertise, tailored insurance solutions and employee benefits.
With its vibrant mix of theatres, arts venues, bars, restaurants and retail spaces, WMC is more than just a building. It’s a 400,000 sq ft ecosystem brimming with activity. Navigating its complexities requires a deep understanding of safety, compliance and risk management. That’s where Thomas Carroll’s Stephanie Hanwell steps in, working closely with WMC’s Head of Operations, Steve Morris.
“Steph feels like part of our team,” Steve shares. “Her hands-on support ensures we meet the highest safety standards, giving us the confidence to focus on creating exceptional experiences for our visitors.”
A Partnership Built on Trust
Steph’s role goes beyond traditional audits. She collaborates with the WMC team, offering expert advice, bespoke training, and practical solutions that empower staff to manage risks effectively. Whether it’s the bustling café-bar or the grand theatre, her proactive approach ensures safety is embedded in every corner of the Centre.
This partnership was truly put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic. As WMC faced unprecedented challenges, Thomas Carroll’s guidance helped the Centre to reopen safely and confidently. “We worked closely to navigate the ever-changing regulations,” says Steph. “It was about rolling up our sleeves and finding solutions together.”
Steve recalls: “Their practical recommendations and commitment allowed us to continue operating safely with a skeleton team. It reinforced our trust in Thomas Carroll as a vital partner.”
In addition to health and safety, Rachel Townsend, WMC’s dedicated insurance broker at Thomas Carroll, provides bespoke policies that safeguard everything, from the building itself to its people and operations. From covering revenue loss to ensuring staff and visitors are protected, her expertise ensures peace of mind.
“Our insurance needs are as unique as our venue,” Steve explains. “Thomas Carroll’s understanding of our operations, coupled with their ability to adapt, makes all the difference. They don’t just provide a service; they’re invested in our success.”
Rachel and Steph’s collaborative approach exemplifies Thomas Carroll’s ethos: working as an extension of their clients’ teams to offer solutions that are personal, proactive and reliable.
A Shared Vision
For Thomas Carroll and WMC, it’s more than just a working relationship. It’s a shared commitment to excellence. “We’re proud to support WMC’s vibrant contribution to arts and culture,” says Steph. “Their success is our success.”
Thomas Carroll has also been managing WMC’s Employee Benefits for several years, strengthening our relationship with their HR team and enabling us to offer a comprehensive range of services that enhance the well-being and financial security of their employees.
Since June 2021, we’ve worked closely with WMC to manage their Employee Benefits, which includes Pension Scheme Governance, Group Life Cover, Employee Education, and a Cash Plan scheme for all employees.
Nia Rogers, Associate Director of Employee Benefits, explained: “In addition to providing ongoing support, we’ve recently assisted WMC in harmonising their pension scheme by consolidating two providers into one. This streamlined the administrative process and ensured consistency by having all employees under the same provider”.
As WMC marks its milestone year, this enduring partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, trust and shared values.