Checkwell Decision Corp. Opens UK Headquarters in Wales, UK.

Canada's Leading Employee Reference Service Expands to Europe

SWANSEA, Wales -- Checkwell Decision Corporation, a privately held Canadian specialist in screening employee backgrounds, is opening its European headquarters in Swansea, Wales, marking the company's first location in Europe. This investment, which will create 125 jobs within the next two years, is the latest in a string of new inward investment projects from North America to Wales.

From its Wales office, Checkwell plans to offer its employee screening services to the banking, insurance, education and other key business sectors in the UK and Europe. Founded in 1989, the company is headquartered in Vancouver and has six other offices in Canada and the United States.

"As one of North America's leading providers of background checks, we are delighted to have achieved a European footprint. With a well qualified graduate population and beautiful surroundings, Wales will be an excellent UK base for our company as we continue to expand," said Dean Drysdale, Checkwell's Chairman.

Checkwell examines prospective employees backgrounds for criminal records, credit history, and educational credentials. It also conducts exit interviews and provides tools for measuring employee morale. Checkwell's corporate clients range in size from 30 to 30,000 employees.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport for the Wales Assembly Government, hailed Checkwell's investment as further evidence that efforts to attract more inward investment from the North American market by the Assembly's International Business Wales team were proving effective. Checkwell has received a Regional Selective Assistance grant from the Welsh Assembly Government.

"Checkwell's business model in North America is solid, and the company is confident it can replicate that success in the UK," Jones said.

"I am delighted that through the support of our international team Checkwell has decided to establish its UK headquarters in Wales, creating a significant number of highly quality graduate level jobs," he said.

Wales attracted 67 foreign investment projects during the 2006-2007 financial year, compared with 51 the year before. The biggest success was Amazon, which earlier this year announced the opening of new fulfillment center in Swansea, creating 1,200 jobs.

About International Business Wales (IBW)

International Business Wales (IBW) is the economic development arm of the Welsh Assembly Government with the responsibility of helping international corporations locate operations in Wales, and with promoting international trade by Welsh businesses. IBW can assist businesses in finding suitable properties in Wales for their operations, help them in finding employees and in obtaining financial assistance from the Welsh government, when appropriate.