Pembrokeshire-based HR and business management consultant, Nia Marshall, has been honoured with a national Institute of Business Consulting Award.

Nia, was recognised for her work with Whitland-based, Landsker Business Consultancy Ltd., and was named 'Best Newcomer to Consulting 2009' at the Institute's awards evening in London. The award recognised Nia's passion for consultancy and her commitment to adding value to the organisations she assists.

Nia started working as an HR and business management consultant in November 2007, working closely with Landsker and becoming accredited under a variety of Landsker's Welsh Assembly Government programmes. Nia also runs her own HR consultancy - NMHR - based in Milford Haven.

Her award is seen as testament to the positive impact that she has had on the development and growth of many local organisations.

Jeremy Bowen Rees, director of Landsker, commented, "Nia possesses all of the right attributes needed to become a successful business consultant. Her award endorses the approach adopted by Landsker serving businesses in mid, south and west Wales. Nia takes pride in working closely with her clients and delivering value where she can."

Recently she has been working with a fisheries business in delivering its ambitions to build a 'Welsh Fish' brand. This included developing a comprehensive business plan which resulted in a significant grant from the European Fisheries Fund.

Nia has brought success to other local businesses, including a grant bid for The Grove - the newly-opened, five-star restaurant with rooms in Narberth - and achieving Investors in People recognition for FBM Holidays.

In Nia's short but fruitful career to date, she has demonstrated a strong, client focus with a keen eye for setting and achieving targets which deliver value to her and Landsker's clients.

One of Nia's clients admitted that the business presented a 'challenge' for Nia, but she had been able to manage them successfully.

"She always maintained a great working relationship, even when things got tough and stressful during the recent financial downturn,' said the client.

Lynda Purser, director at the Institute of Business Consulting (IBC), presenting the award, commented: "It is clear that Nia's clients believe her consulting intervention is instrumental to the success of their business. I am impressed with her ability to manage the sometimes complex relationships."

Nia is delighted to have won this prestigious award, stating: "It recognises the genuine satisfaction I get from helping others to achieve their dreams."