Category Archives: Cardiff

Business, Car News, Carbon Reduction, Cardiff, Climate Action

Cardiff University launch new electric fleet

Cardiff University has launched its new electric vehicle (EV) fleet, a significant step towards achieving its net-zero emissions goals.

The vehicles, purchased through the Welsh Government collaborative procurement framework and supported by the Welsh Government Energy Service, were sourced by FleetEV, a local EV solutions provider. FleetEV focuses on helping organisations transition to electric vehicles through comprehensive leasing, salary sacrifice, and fleet solutions tailored to diverse client needs.

The new fleet includes Renault and Vauxhall vans, as well as Citroen Ami’s, which have been wrapped by Popin Graphics. These EVs will replace a portion of the university’s fleet of 60 vehicles, and the efficient Ami’s will help reduce the cost of ownership and environmental impact.

The EVs have also been named, following a competition for staff and students to submit their favourites. Winners included Pen E Van, Sos-fan-Fach and Myfanwy.

Professor Monjur Mourshed, Cardiff University’s Dean of Environmental Sustainability, said: “We are delighted to introduce our new EV fleet, which includes a range of vehicle sizes to accommodate our diverse transportation needs. The lighter, more compact vehicles are ideally suited for navigating our urban campus while contributing to our carbon emissions reduction goals. This investment marks a step forward in decarbonising our fleet and demonstrates our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Jarrad Morris, CEO and Founder of FleetEV, and Cardiff University alumni, said: “We were so pleased to have played a part in Cardiff University’s move to electric campus vehicles. Each institution and business that recognises the importance of EVs and implements change is helping us take a significant step towards a greener, cleaner and more sustainable future, and it means even more that it is my alma mater leading the way.”

Business, Business Investment, Caerphilly, Cardiff

Cardiff Capital Region’s £45m investment in Ogi to boost digital connectivity for South East Wales

The £45m investment from Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) into Ogi, Wales’ biggest alternative network provider, represents CCR’s largest single investment into a company since its formation in 2017. The debt-financing package aims to develop and transform digital capabilities in villages, towns and cities across the Cardiff Capital Region, helping to reduce digital disparities and offer local communities and businesses reliable services and ultrafast connectivity.

Businesses will be positively impacted by having better reliable broadband, enabling greater productivity, cloud computing, AI and data storage. The investment is also foundational to the development of CCR’s high-tech sectors and key to ongoing developments like the Investment Zone.

One of CCR’s key priority sectors, the creative industries has already benefited from Ogi’s data connectivity capabilities, with the recent 2024 Paralympics live produced remotely at The Broadcast Centre Cymru in central Cardiff.

Ogi’s new full fibre infrastructure is bypassing old, worn-out connections and giving people working and living in the Region a new level of connectivity. The package will bring many benefits including local employment, and with 100,000 premises already on the new fibre to the premise [FTTP] network, it’s Ogi’s ambition to reach many more.

 

Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith said:

“This is a significant investment by Cardiff Capital Region, backed by the UK Government, which will be transformational for many people and businesses in south east Wales. Good digital connectivity is vital for economic growth and to enable people to access services and enjoy their leisure time.

“I’m delighted that the investment is being put into a Welsh company, Ogi, demonstrating the benefits of working together to create jobs and prosperity.”

 

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and Chair of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, said:

“This investment on a practical level means so much for residents and businesses who may have previously struggled with broadband connectivity. Bringing our Region quite literally up to speed will enhance not only user experience, but also encourage further opportunities and economic growth that align with CCR’s vision for an inclusive, next generation digital infrastructure.”

 

Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
and Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure and Major Projects Delivery, said:

“This major project is being delivered with the express aim of enabling our Region to compete on so many levels. I’m looking forward to the next stages of this Welsh company’s development and seeing even more of the Region benefit from the capabilities of full fibre today, in readiness for tomorrow.”

 

Ogi’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, said:

“Right from the start, our ambition has been to become a leading Welsh telecoms company, and the last few years have certainly laid strong foundations for that goal.

“With key strategic sites like Aberthaw to the south and the heads of the valleys to the north, there’s massive potential across the capital region – and partnering with CCR at such an exciting time in their own development is the next logical step for Ogi’s growth in southeast Wales.”

Business, Cardiff, Charity, Charity Events, Healthcare, South Wales, Wales

Leaders and legends lunch to connect charity with business community

City Hospice has announced that its inaugural Chair’s Lunch will take place on 18 October at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.

Established in 1984, the charity is marking its 40th anniversary this year.

The exclusive ‘Leaders & Legends’ event, organised by the charity’s Chair Michael Baker and sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, will provide the south Wales business community with an opportunity to engage and celebrate with the charity in its 40th anniversary year and hear unique leadership insights from two of Wales’ most influential sporting figures.

Interviewed by Deborah Thomas, special guests Nigel Walker OBE and Sam Warburton OBE will share their experiences and thoughts on leadership on and off the rugby field.

The event will support City Hospice, the only provider of community specialist palliative care for patients in Cardiff with terminal or life limiting illnesses. The charity provides care and a range of services including welfare advice and complementary therapies for patients, as well as bereavement support and counselling for the families of its patients.

Michael Baker, Chair of City Hospice, said: “As the Chair of the board of trustees, I wanted to showcase and share the incredible work of City Hospice with the local business community in this special anniversary year.

“With my experience in consultancy focusing on management and leadership, the event just had to be with leaders and legends! It is the perfect opportunity to highlight the charity’s fantastic work. I am extremely grateful to Deborah, Nigel and Sam for being a part of our first Chair’s Lunch and hope guests gain inspiration from their leadership journeys.”

Deborah Thomas said: “Having been personally touched by City Hospice’s care and compassion, the Chair’s Lunch provides me with a chance to give back in a very special way. I am excited to interview Nigel and Sam and learn more about their perspectives on leadership.”

Nigel Walker OBE, WRU Executive Director of Rugby and City Hospice Ambassador, said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this exclusive business event in the charity’s ruby anniversary year. As well as hearing from Sam and I on leadership, I hope that businesses grasp this opportunity to engage with and learn more about the brilliant care and services City Hospice provides.”

For further information including booking details, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/upcoming-events/chairmans-lunch-leaders-legends/

Business, Business Investment, Cardiff, Cardiff News

Cardiff Capital Region invests £1.5m in Whisper Cymru

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has invested £1.5m in broadcast production agency Whisper, enabling the purchase of specialist remote broadcasting equipment to deliver large scale live programming within its new Cymru Broadcast Centre facility in Cardiff, the first being the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

The ambition of this project goes beyond the Paralympics, with other international productions already planned; a commitment to boosting skills, training and employment opportunities for underrepresented groups will see this investment bring tangible benefits to the wider community and a lasting legacy.

With this new studio equipment in place, Whisper has been able to create one of the most accessible production facilities in Europe. The facilities include a changing spaces toilet, wide walkways, ramps, power-assisted doors and accessible signage. Attention has also been given to the Centre’s colour schemes and signage throughout to ensure the Cymru Broadcast Centre can be used by as wide a range of people as possible. In addition, Media Cymru and Channel 4 co-funded research and development around accessibility in live production in conjunction with The Ability People – with the hope of acting as a case study for other technical facilities to use as best practice and to share learnings.

As one of CCR’s key priority sectors, the Creative Industries will benefit from this investment, delivering Creative Bootcamps for up 100 people over five years, covering digital and broadcast skills. In addition, Whisper will deliver two outreach events across the Region each year – the aim is to introduce young individuals to the diverse career opportunities within the industry, and to foster inclusivity and diversity.

Wales Office Minister, Nia Griffith said:

“It’s wonderful to see the Cymru Broadcast Centre open and Whisper Cymru delivering live coverage of the Paralympics for Channel 4. The UK Government recognises the value of the creative industries for Wales and that is why we are proud to invest in the Cardiff Capital Region and see that funding used to support the sector.

“We, along with our partners, are helping to build a world-class reputation for Film and TV in the Cardiff region.”

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and Chair of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, added:

“The Cymru Broadcast Centre shows the tremendous rewards of CCR working together with our partners at Welsh Government and Whisper Cymru. The wider economic benefits of job creation, retention of homegrown talent and attracting skilled individuals to Wales, as well as the highly accessible build of the facility opens employment opportunities to all, nurturing diversity and inclusion in our Region.

“I’m very excited about the growing creative industries sector in the Cardiff Capital Region and look forward to seeing it continue to grow and flourish.”

Car News, Cardiff, Driving, Fintech, Technology, Wales

Finalrentals reveals rapid growth on its UK anniversary

  • Dubbed the Uber of car rentals, Finalrentals is an online platform that connects customers with local car rental companies across the world. 
  • Born in Pakistan, Founder and Chief Executive Ammar Akhtar moved to Wales in August 2022, and Finalrentals has overseen a growth in annual revenues of 500 per cent in those two years. 
  • Finalrentals has won several tech awards and secured major investment in the last two years.
  • The Cardiff-based fintech company leverages innovative proprietary technology to connect hundreds of thousands of customers with local car rental businesses worldwide, enabling them to seamlessly search for and hire cars through its platform. 

 

Cardiff/London, 20th August 2024 – Finalrentals, a global car rentals industry disrupter, is celebrating the substantial growth it has achieved since Founder and Chief Executive Ammar Akhtar arrived in the UK two years ago, on August 20th, 2022.

Founded in Dubai in 2019, the business has taken off since Akhtar landed in the UK with an Innovator Visa as part of the UK Government’s Global Entrepreneur Programme. Within a month, Finalrentals secured a pre-seed funding round in September 2022, and raised an undisclosed six-figure investment from four business angels led by lead investor Eamon Tuhami and venture capital company Fuel Ventures. Now, Finalrentals is close to completing a pre-series A round.

In just two years Finalrentals has grown its annual revenue by 500 per cent and is targeting a gross revenue of £10m in the next fiscal year, fueled by its growth into new territories. The Finalrentals platform is available for users in 34 countries, including Costa Rica, Greece, Mexico, Portugal, Saint Lucia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America. New countries are being added nearly every week, and the addition of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Montenegro over the last three months has increased revenues by 68% month over month.

 

Akhtar said: “It was only two years ago that myself and my family moved to Wales, and it’s been a wonderful experience. I think our story is one of positivity. I landed here on an Innovator Visa and knew nothing about hiring people and raising funds in the UK. It shows if you get your tech right, your business model right, and your revenue model right, the UK is a place where businesses get backed and can really grow.”

 

The fastest-growing fintech in Wales, Finalrentals won The Aled Miles International Impact Award at the Wales Technology Awards 2024, an award that recognises the best global tech business in Wales. It also won Fintech Startup of the Year at the Fintech Wales Awards 2023.

 

Akhtar said: “Wales has really embraced us as a company. The whole business ecosystem believes in us as a tech company that can drive innovation, create jobs, and bring in revenue for Wales and the UK.”

 

The car rental market continues to grow. It was worth US$99.74bn in 20231, and is forecast to grow to US$124.10bn in 20291. It is projected that 75% of the total revenue generated in the car rentals market will be through online sales by 20291.

 

Akhtar said: “For too long, the big car rental companies have had a monopoly on the market, and local rental businesses have been pushed to the margins. We set out to disrupt that, and we are known as the Uber for car rentals because we have a really smart product that democratises the market, gives customers far greater choice, and makes hiring a car a far simpler process.

“It also provides local car rental companies with much-needed online visibility and connects them with a huge global market for the first time, helping these businesses to reinvent themselves.”

—

About Finalrentals

Finalrentals is taking car rentals into the future. By leveraging innovative proprietary technology, Finalrentals connects thousands of customers with hundreds of local car rental businesses worldwide, enabling them to seamlessly search for and hire cars through its platform.

Founded by Ammar Akhtar in 2019, Finalrentals is a UK-based fintech company with headquarters in the UK. Its platform gives customers greater choice than traditional vehicle hire companies and provides independent car rental businesses with more online visibility, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from every booking. Choose a destination. Compare affordable prices. Get booked. Visit www.finalrentals.com for more information.

 

Sources:

1 Statista, July 2024: https://www.statista.com/outlook/mmo/shared-mobility/car-rentals/worldwide#revenue

 

 

Appointments, Business, Cardiff

Swansea Building Society Sponsors Cardiff Business Club and Appoints Richard Miles to Board

In a strategic partnership, Swansea Building Society will sponsor Cardiff Business Club for the upcoming season. This announcement follows a year of exceptional growth and record profits for the Society in South East Wales and the Welsh borders. Additionally, Richard Miles, the Society’s Head of Savings & Marketing / Area Manager East Wales, joins the Cardiff Business Club Board.

As a longstanding pillar of the Welsh financial community, Swansea Building Society recognises the importance of fostering strong business networks and supporting the local economy. The decision to sponsor Cardiff Business Club aligns with the Society’s commitment to giving back to the business community that has been integral to its success.

Cardiff Business Club, founded in 1912, is a leading organisation of its kind in Wales. It aims to offer an environment where all their members can connect with decision makers from across the private, public and charitable sectors to support and promote their businesses.

Richard Miles brings a wealth of experience to his new role on the Cardiff Business Club Board. With a robust background in sales and marketing, Miles has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. His roles as a board member of Cardiff YMCA Housing Association Limited and Linc Cymru have further honed his expertise in governance and community engagement, making him a valuable asset to Cardiff Business Club.

Swansea Building Society, founded in 1923, is one of only three remaining mutual building societies in Wales. With its headquarters in Swansea and branch offices in Mumbles, Cowbridge and Carmarthen, it is gaining an increasing presence in South East Wales and the Welsh Borders. The Society’s main objective is to offer a wide range of savings and flexible mortgages accounts. The Society prides itself on their face-to-face approach that can suit all its members.

Richard Miles, Head of Savings & Marketing / Area Manager East at Swansea Building Society, said:

“Due to expansion across the area, we thought it would be a great idea to sponsor Cardiff Business Club to allow us to contribute to the vibrant business environment in Cardiff. It is an honour to be appointed as a board member at the Business Club. I relish the opportunity to bring my deep understanding and knowledge of sales and marketing to continue developing Cardiff Business Club and to continue to give back to the local business community.”

Richard Miles will join an illustrious panel on the Cardiff Business Club Board. This includes Club President, Baroness Grey-Thompson, who over 16 years and five Paralympic Games won eleven gold medals, three silver and one bronze, cementing her reputation as one of the most gifted sportswomen of her generation. Another famous name on the Club Board is its Secretary, Paul Thorburn, the former Neath RFC and international Wales rugby union player, who still holds the record for the longest successful kick in an international test match.

Phil Jardine, Chair of Cardiff Business Club, said:

“It is great to have Swansea Building Society to sponsor us this year. It is a privilege to have Richard join our Board due to his success with the Society in the South East Wales area. I am positive that he will be a great asset to Cardiff Business Club.”

Appointments, Cardiff, Investment, Investment News, South Wales

Howden appoints Account Director to accelerate growth in Wales

HOWDEN, the global insurance intermediary group, has appointed Tony Barber as Account Director as it continues to grow its presence in South Wales.

 

Tony will be based in Cardiff, covering Wales and its surrounding regions, and joins the team having previously worked as Account Director at Willis Towers Watson.

 

In his new role, Tony will help drive Howden’s positive growth in Wales by supporting larger and more complex clients, developing and implementing comprehensive risk management and insurance strategies.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Tony said: “I am thrilled to be joining Howden’s Cardiff office and to build on its already fantastic growth.

 

“I was drawn to Howden due to its employee ownership model as it cultivates a collaborative culture amongst colleagues to the benefit of clients, as well as its renowned entrepreneurial culture.

 

“I’m excited to join a new team and am looking forward to playing a part in shaping Howden’s strategy in South Wales.”

 

Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director at Howden, said: “Tony is yet another fantastic addition to our Cardiff team, and has already made an extraordinary impact in accelerating our growth and creating new ways in which we can support our clients.

 

“As we continue to grow our Howden team in Wales, I have every confidence that we will continue on our upwards trajectory and expand even further across south and west Wales.”

Business, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Development, Investment, Investment News

Innovation Investment Capital announces multimillion-pound investment in Transcend Packaging

Innovation Investment Capital Limited Partnership (IIC), the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) backed fund, has today announced a multimillion-pound investment into Transcend Packaging (‘Transcend’), the Ystrad Mynach headquartered sustainable packaging company. This investment round has been supplemented by additional equity from significant global corporations, including ITOCHU Corporation, one of Japan’s largest companies and a leading provider of pulp and paper products, providing further investment to the overall region.

 

Transcend is a leading innovator of environmental packaging solutions across the food service and beverage sectors. It supports a new sustainable manufacturing landscape, driven by improved recyclability and reusability legislation and net zero targets, with 290 employees, across three locations. Since launching in 2017, Transcend has successfully innovated and disrupted the traditional packaging sector, recently developing a first to market premium polyethylene-free cup, highlighting its significant ESG credentials.

 

IIC’s decision to invest was based on a variety of factors, but the commitment to expand its R&D facilities, production innovation with impressive intellectual property, strong experienced management team and blue-chip customer base all supported the decision.

 

Launched in November 2022 and backed by UK Government funds with an initial £50 million from CCR, the fund is looking to invest long-term capital in innovative, sustainable growth opportunities across the ten unitary authorities in the CCR. Capricorn Fund Managers (CFM) is the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM), responsible for managing the fund and the overall portfolio and risk management, with PwC supporting CFM in advisory matters, including investment research and sourcing. The Transcend investment is IIC’s third investment, following on from AMPLYFI (the Cardiff-based generative artificial intelligence business) and Mazuma (a Bridgend-based tech enabled accountancy platform).

 

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Chair, Cardiff Capital Region, commented: “Transcend is an exceptional local growth story that we are looking to help scale to even greater heights. Our investment, alongside other investors, will help encourage further growth and development in Ystrad Mynach and the broader Caerphilly region.”

 

Lorenzo Angelucci, Transcend CEO, added: “We are thrilled to receive this substantial investment from IIC, which underscores the confidence in our vision and strategy but also empowers us to accelerate our innovation and expand our R&D capabilities. With the support of IIC and our new investors, we will continue our disruptive journey in the sustainable packaging industry, furthering our commitment to environmental stewardship and economic growth in the Cardiff Capital Region.”

 

“In only seven years, Transcend has built one of the most innovative and sustainable packaging businesses globally. Its growth to date and future commercial partnerships positions it impressively for further growth”, said Rob Asplin, PwC Partner. “Sustainable packaging is a fast growth market and highlights the desire of the fund to support net zero propositions.”

 

Councillor Sean Morgan, Leader of Caerphilly Council, further added: “We’re delighted to have such a success story on our doorstep, bringing real economic benefits and social value to Caerphilly and beyond.  Transcend Packaging’s success is based on innovation and sustainability and the solutions they are developing here in Caerphilly will benefit the environment and communities in many countries.”

 

“Our Transcend investment fulfils much of the IIC investment criteria, not only by investing in innovative sustainability solutions, but also backing an exciting local business to scale up and encourage other international players to invest in the CCR. The benefits to Ystrad Mynach and the wider region will be felt for years to come,” concluded Lynda Stoelker, Capricorn Fund Managers’ COO and Chair of the IIC Investment Committee.

 

For further information on the Innovation Investment Capital visit http://www.innovationinvestmentcapital.com.

Cardiff, Manufacturing, News, Wales News

Access equipment specialist T.B Davies announces major expansion of Cardiff manufacturing facility

T.B Davies, a leading access equipment supplier, has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility in Cardiff. The expansion will boost the company’s production capabilities and reinforce its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

 

T.B Davies manufactures and distributes a wide range of access products for working at height, including steps, ladders, towers, and podiums for professional, trade and domestic users. Its customers include Screwfix, Toolstation and Amazon.

T.B Davies employs 27 people at its Lewis Road site in Splott and achieved a turnover of £7.8 million in 2023, up from £7.1 million in 2021. The company’s newly expanded facility, now spanning a 3.5-acre site, includes 31,000 square feet of offices and warehousing space with the potential to add 14,000 square feet as demand grows. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge, fully automatic machinery to produce high-volume aluminium extension ladders and assemble combination steps from Little Giant Ladder Systems, for which it holds the exclusive UK licence.

The expansion was made possible through a strategic investment of £500,000 and financial restructuring assistance from NatWest. It has been further backed by £100,000 in support and expertise from the Welsh Government’s innovation team.

 

The expansion has already created six new jobs, with more expected as production scales up. The upgrade to their production facilities forms part of T.B. Davies’ commitment to enhance its sustainability practices. The company, recognising the need to improve its engineering capabilities while reducing environmental impacts, recently embarked on a transformative journey in sustainability. Taking part in the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme Carbon Emission Reduction Pilot in 2022 led to the development of an award-winning detailed carbon reduction plan.

 

Since then, T.B Davies has made strides in minimising its environmental footprint by sourcing materials locally, using solar energy, minimising plastic packaging, and introducing hybrid vehicles. The new facility will produce the new Taskmaster Extension Ladder, made from 100% recyclable materials and aluminium sourced from Hydro Aluminium in Wrexham. T.B Davies aims to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

 

To celebrate this expansion and the legacy of chairman Patrick Gray, marking his 55th year with the company, T.B Davies will host a summer barbecue for employees, local schools, charities, and key partners.

 

David Gray, Managing Director of T.B Davies, said:

“My father joined my great-grandfather’s company 55 years ago to help sell aluminium ladders, a revolutionary product at the time. His hard work has helped us become an industry leader in building sustainable ladders, securing the company for future generations through responsible practices.

“Expanding our manufacturing facility in Cardiff is part of our commitment to innovation and sustainability. By increasing our production capabilities and continuing to implement cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, we are proudly setting new standards in the industry.

“This will support our growth and significantly enhance our ability to serve our customers more effectively, further embedding our roots into the local economy and its future.”

 

Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council, said:

“I am delighted to see T.B Davies expanding its manufacturing facility in Splott. This significant investment reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability while bringing valuable job opportunities to our local community.

“T.B Davies’ dedication to fostering a skilled workforce and enhancing the local economy is commendable. I look forward to seeing this expansion’s positive impact on Splott and the wider city.”

 

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Caption L-R: Mat Gray and David Gray (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Director and Managing Director, T.B Davies), Huw Thomas (Leader of Cardiff Council) and Francis Camilleri (Business Development Director, T.B Davies).

Cardiff, Diversity & Inclusion, Events, News

Principality Stadium and The Senedd Set to Host Second Annual Mastering Diversity Conference & Awards 2024

CARDIFF, Wales – Prepare to engage with industry leaders and celebrate champions of change at the forthcoming Mastering Diversity Conference & Exhibition 2024, returning this autumn to inspire and ignite discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion across various sectors. Multi-award winning EDI expert and Founder, Bernie Davies announced, “These events are free, access all areas, events in the spirit of true inclusion.”

The First Minister, Rt. Hon. Vaughan Gething remains a great supporter of the Conference and awards and will deliver the welcome speech at the Opening Ceremony.

Inspiring Change: Mastering Diversity Conference

Scheduled for September 16, 2024, the Mastering Diversity Conference, which was dubbed historic by the Welsh Government last year, will re-convene at the iconic Principality Stadium in the heart of Cardiff. This event is in partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Life Magazine and WCS Agency. Returning sponsors NATWEST Bank, and Bevan Buckland LLP are joined by leaders on the global stage, Commonwealth Games-Team Wales, award winning broadband provider OGI, ED&I exemplars Deloitte, Scouts Cymru, Wales Ambulance Services University NHS Trust, Browne Jacobson LLP and Toni Clarkstone Global Ltd.

The event will commence with a welcome from its Founder Bernie Davies, followed by a stirring address by the Hon Vaughan Gething, First Minister of Wales.

Highlights of the day will include:

  • Bernie Davies’ insights on fostering diversity in a post-Covid Wales.
  • A fireside chat with rugby Legend Glenn Webbe (Wales’s 1st Black Rugby Player) and Andrew Jenkins of BBC’s Traitors
  • Keynote speech by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, sharing her journey and perspectives from her career as a Paralympian and crossbench peer.
  • Keynote from multi-award winning period dignity Campaigner, Molly Fenton
  • An empowering narrative on dyslexia as a superpower to win multi-million-pound contracts by Toni Clarkstone of Toni Clarkstone Global Ltd.
  • Entertainment

Attendees will benefit from three hours of intensive breakout sessions and workshops, featuring discussions and networking opportunities across eight thematic zones, each hosted in a dedicated corporate hospitality box.

Mastering Diversity Documentary Launch: Post-lunch, another distinguished Welsh Government minister will share further insights, followed by an interactive panel of the expert zone Leads. The afternoon will be further enriched by the unveiling of the trailer for Mastering Diversity, a Mastering Diversity Task Force documentary by award winning filmmaker Georgios Dimitropoulos and produced by Bernie Davies, exploring diversity and inclusion work and lived experiences in Wales.

Celebrating Excellence: Former First Minister Mark Drakeford sponsors Mastering Diversity Awards

The celebration continues with the Diversity & Inclusion Awards on October 16, 2024, at the Senedd. The awards ceremony will honour outstanding contributions to diversity across multiple sectors, with awards in categories such as:

  • Diversity in Sports
  • Diversity in Education
  • Diversity in Business
  • Cognitive and Neurodiversity Champion
  • Gender Equality Champion
  • Diversity in Representation
  • Digital Inclusion
  • Diversity in the Public Sector

The evening will feature a drinks reception, light refreshments, Keynote by Multi- award winning Founder Rachel Flanagan of Mrs Bucket, and ample opportunities for networking with pioneers and advocates of diversity from across the region.

Additional Information

To learn more about the Mastering Diversity Conference & Awards 2024, book tickets, or view the detailed event schedule, please visit masteringdiversity.com.