Tag Archives: Appointment

Chamber appoints new CEO with commitment to further growing its business support

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has appointed Gus Williams as its interim CEO.

The appointment comes as the Chamber seeks to underpin and further develop its commitment of high quality business support services for its partners and members.

To drive the Chamber’s mission to promote, connect, support and inform businesses in Wales, Gus and the senior team will particularly focus on services such as key events, international documentation, property support and the highly anticipated annual Wales Business Awards in 2025.

Gus is the CEO of leading Welsh chartered accountancy firm Bevan Buckland, and will continue in that role alongside his role at the Chamber. Gus has a background in international banking prior to joining Bevan Buckland and is passionate about supporting Welsh business.

This appointment follows the recent strengthening of the Chamber’s trade team which saw David Peña join as International Trade Manager to assist members, partners and businesses in Wales with their exporting and importing needs.

Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “Chambers Wales continues to be more than just a business support organisation; it’s a leading voice for business in Wales, playing a vital role in supporting people within our member and partner businesses.

“Its international network also makes it uniquely positioned to bring Wales to the world, and the world to Wales.

“The key pillars of our support are around our events, which continue to prove extremely popular, international trade support, and of course, our flagship awards. Each of these help to enable people to connect and work together regionally, nationally or internationally.

“I am excited to lead the Chamber in its next chapter, and work with the team to use our network and expertise to support businesses in Wales through both good and challenging times as businesses respond to a range of legislative changes, and announcements expected from the Chancellor in Wednesday’s Budget.”

Penny Lock, the Chamber’s Director of Partnerships, said: “Hundreds of our partners and members have been involved in our engaging and impactful events through the past year.

“The Chamber will continue to build and develop this programme in consultation with those partners and members, in particular, the 2025 Wales Business Awards.”

The Chamber has also actively started to strengthen its Board to further reflect the diversity and voices of its membership, and to appoint a new Chair, replacing Paul Clark, who has resigned from the Board.

The Chamber is a membership organisation which supports businesses across 80 per cent of Wales through facilitating connections, upskilling opportunities and trade expertise. It is part of the British Chambers of Commerce and wider global Chamber network.

New appointment to support Welsh businesses’ trade ambitions

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has appointed David Peña as its new International Trade Manager.

David, who is originally from Barcelona and speaks English, Catalan, French and Spanish, joins the Chamber from International Trade Matters.

With his professional career spanning the retail sector, licensing industry, business development and trade support, David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to the Chamber.

In his varied career he has worked in culturally different companies, opened access to new markets for companies in all continents and liaised with businesses, organisations and brands such as Asmodee, Ministry of Defence (UK), Royal British Legion and The Smurfs.

Additionally, David holds a Level 5 Diploma in International Trade from the Institute of Export where he is a full member and was awarded twice in his graduation ceremony including the Prize for Academic Excellence from the Worshipful Company of World Traders.

In his new role, David will lead the trade team at the Chamber and assist members, partners and businesses in Wales with their exporting and importing needs including compliance, training, access to new markets and supply chain connectivity. David will share his invaluable knowledge and experience, becoming an asset to the team.

David said: “I am looking forward to supporting all our members in their international trade journey. I know from experience how challenging it can be, but I trust that Chambers Wales will be the right partner to be alongside our members at every step of the journey.

“As a native Catalonian and a Catalan speaker, I fully understand the particularities of being a nation within a nation, and the challenges but also the opportunities that this uniqueness can bring to the table.”

In his spare time, David trains with his local rugby club and plays the occasional veterans game as a scrum half.

Commenting on David’s appointment, Penny Lock, Director of Partnerships at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming David as a core member of our team who will be instrumental in supporting our members in their international trade journeys.

“This appointment represents another step in our mission of taking Welsh businesses to the world across our global network. David will be a tremendous asset to the Chamber, and we are very excited to work with him and to learn from his invaluable knowledge.”

New appointments strengthen audit and accountancy team at independent firm

Kilsby Williams, one of the largest independent tax and accountancy firms in south-east Wales, has made four new appointments to its audit and accountancy team.

Channa Wijesekera joins Kilsby Williams from one of the ‘Big Four’ global accounting firms and will use his external audit, internal audit and special assignments experience to support the firm’s audit specialists as a senior.

Channa said: “I am very grateful to all the Partners of Kilsby Williams for the opportunity given to me. It is a great experience working with diverse people, clients and cultures.”

Joining Channa in the department will be manager Stephanie Pingue, an ACCA qualified business services manager with years of experience working in practice, and seniors Ryan Jeffs and Alex Manton. The trio will be responsible for providing accounts preparation services, including financial statements, year-end accounts, management accounts and VAT returns for a range of clients.

Ryan said: “The future at Kilsby Williams looks really promising; their plans for expansion and growth really give me hope for what’s to come. There are big things to look forward to from the company and I am glad I managed to join at the right time so I can continue my career and grow as they do.”

Simon Tee, managing partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Channa, Stephanie, Ryan and Alex to our audit and accountancy team. Their skills and knowledge strengthens our existing team and will provide a multitude of benefits for our clients. We look forward to seeing them progress in their roles and will do all we can to empower them to maximise their potential.”

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients locally in south Wales, extending across the UK and globally. Their clients range from sole traders to international quoted groups.

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.”

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.”

Howden makes experienced appointment in south Wales as Welsh operation continues to grow

HOWDEN, the global insurance group, has welcomed Chris Harvey to its south Wales team in line with its continued growth.

Chris joins the team as commercial account executive, having previously worked in commercial insurance roles at Towergate and Jelf. Most recently, he was a director and shareholder at a Rhondda-based, rapidly expanding family-owned business.

In his new role, Chris will use his wealth of experience to assist commercial and corporate clients with all aspects of their insurances.

On his appointment, Chris said: “I am thrilled to have joined the Howden team in south Wales, at what is a very exciting time for the business’ Welsh presence. I was drawn to Howden due to its customer centricity.

“We are not restricted by having to place business with certain insurers, and every day is about going above and beyond to achieve the best result for our clients. Howden is very focused on looking after both its employees and clients, which is an important factor to me.

“My main goal is to help as many businesses in Wales as possible, with honest and friendly advice that makes their lives easier.”

Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, said: “Chris is already an invaluable addition to our Welsh team, and has shown exceptional skill at this important time in our growth journey.

“Chris’ board-level experience within a fast-growing business puts him in a great position to help our clients, and we are delighted to have him on board as we continue to build a solid community in south and west Wales.”

Paul Butterworth appointed Vice Chair of Regional Learning and Skills Partnership

Paul Butterworth, the CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, has been appointed as the new Vice Chair of the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership (RLSP) for south-west Wales.

Covering Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, the RLSP is dedicated to bridging the gap between education, skills, and regeneration. It aims to ensure that the skills provision is aligned with the economic priorities and opportunities of the region, as well as tackling the new skills landscape that is happening within the energy, construction, manufacturing and digital sectors.

As CEO of Chambers Wales, Paul brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the economic and skills development of Welsh businesses with him to the board.

As the voice of the business community with policymakers, Paul will advocate for enhanced skills training, infrastructure improvements and the creation of skilled jobs, all aimed at creating local economic growth.

Upon his appointment, Paul said: “I am determined to create a better and fairer business landscape for West Wales to ensure that the local economy has the best available skills development for future project development and the transition into the green economy and energy sector to ensure West Wales thrives.”

Jane Lewis, Regional Partnerships Manager at RLSP, said: “We are delighted to have Paul on the board. He will be instrumental in achieving our goals and look forward to the positive impact his appointment will have on the region.”

Dudley’s Aluminium appoints new Finance Director to continue successful growth

WELSH fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium has appointed Pablo Shorney as Finance Director to support its growth plans.

 

A qualified Chartered Accountant, Pablo has a wealth of experience, having spent a decade supporting SMEs across south Wales and south-west England. He joins the firm from Lexington Corporate Finance, where he has spent the last five years advising SMEs on financial and commercial strategies for growth.

 

On his appointment, Pablo said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Dudley’s as Finance Director at an exciting time in its growth strategy. Dudley’s has an exceptional reputation in its industry, built over thirty years, for delivering on prestigious projects across the UK. I’m looking forward to being part of the team and contributing to Dudley’s continued success.”

 

Steve Muir, Commercial Director at Dudley’s Aluminium, said: “We are delighted to have Pablo join the business as our new Finance Director and a key member of our leadership team. Pablo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, as well as enthusiasm to support Dudley’s in our growth plans.”

 

Pablo takes over from retiring Finance Director, Russell Cope, who has been at Dudley’s for the last 11 years.

 

On his retirement, Russell said: “It’s been a pleasure to serve as Dudley’s Aluminium’s Finance Director for the past 11 years. I’m proud of the success we’ve achieved as a team, and I’m confident that the company is well-positioned for an exciting future.”

 

Since 1993, Dudley’s Aluminium has offered clients full in-house design and production facilities, completing many successful and prestigious projects within the education, health, commercial, retail, residential and defence sectors throughout the UK and Channel Islands.

 

Dudley’s reputation for quality has been recognised with several industry-related accreditations. The company is CHAS accredited, Constructionline registered and BM Trada certified to manufacture enhanced security products to align with PAS24:2016 and BS 4873.

Nolte Küchen turns up the Heat with Zeus PR

Nolte Kitchens UK, the UK arm of leading German Kitchen Brand Nolte Küchen has appointed NW based specialist home interest PR agency  Zeus PR to support its ambitious growth plans.

Following a competitive tender, the PR agency will be establishing the UK press office for the brand, and undertaking an energetic content-led PR campaign.

Zeus PR is tasked with building the brand’s reputation with a far-reaching national consumer press and influencer strategy. This will be twinned with trade media outreach to promote Nolte Kitchens UK dedicated contract kitchens division that serves both boutique housing projects and large-scale developments.

Nolte Kitchens UK, headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire has 15 showrooms nationally in premium high street locations including a flagship store in Westminster, London, and further UK expansion is imminent.

Its parent company Nolte Küchen has a rich history dating back to 1958 and has been voted Germany’s favourite kitchen brand for five years running. The company manufactures at their plant in Germany over 900 kitchens a day and exports to over 60 countries.

Nadine Rowley, Digital Marketing Manager states: “It’s a hugely exciting time for Nolte Kitchens UK. We have big plans for the next 12 months that will allow us to further enhance the presence of Germany’s favourite kitchen brand in the UK retail market, and I’m confident Zeus PR will play a critical role in that growth.”

Anthea Fosti, MD of Zeus PR comments: “The sheer quality, innovation, exacting detail and stylised lines that Nolte Küchen has introduced is totally unique to the UK market. This coupled with the unrivalled design service and the standout, luxury showrooms in the landmark locations across the country, gives us a compelling brand story, and one which we are excited to tell.”

CTI Digital appointed by Mind, the mental health charity, to enhance its digital strategy and provide web design and development services

CTI Digital, a leading UK technology, experience and digital marketing agency, has been appointed by the mental health charity, Mind. The agency will work alongside Mind’s digital team to drive the charity’s website initiatives, through a comprehensive digital strategy involving user research, user experience design and the development of Mind’s website.

Mind, a charity supporting people experiencing a mental health problem in England and Wales, has tasked CTI Digital with strengthening its website capabilities. This will be achieved by providing digital expertise, employing extensive user research, website design, and proficient website development to support Mind’s digital team.

CTI Digital will provide web design and development services for Mind’s existing website, which will, in due course, be upgraded to Umbraco 13 and the Azure hosting environments. Key to CTI’s appointment was the ability to guarantee 99.9% uptime, a key feature given the important service Mind provides for those seeking support.

The partnership extends beyond maintenance, with CTI Digital actively collaborating on Mind’s development roadmap, involving technical SEO, data analytics, development, and DevOps, showcasing the agency’s multifaceted capabilities.

Dominic Wilkinson, Digital Platforms Manager at Mind said: “CTI helped us onboard our Umbraco website onto their hosting and support service, which has enabled us to firmly maintain a business-as-usual pace of work. We also have access to a wide range of CTI services that allows us to design, develop, test and deploy new features at pace.”

Chris Woodward, CEO at CTI Digital said: “We are thrilled to be working with Mind in their mission to make a meaningful impact on mental health challenges through its website. Our ongoing collaboration reflects our dedication to supporting Mind’s vision and ensuring that no one faces mental health alone.”