Here we feature the latest appointments in Welsh business.
Food, Farming and Countryside Commission
Jon Parker has been appointed director for Wales at the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission.
Mr Parker, who has worked in the agri-food, fisheries, aquaculture and rural development sectors, joins FFCC chair Chris Nott and Wales National Nature Service coordinator, Kate Hamilton.
He brings to the role knowledge of Welsh Government, food businesses development and investment.
Mr Parker said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the FFCC team and I’m particularly keen to help ensure businesses and communities across Wales get the resources they need to adapt to the challenges ahead.”
Chief executive Sue Pritchard said: “I am thrilled that Jon has accepted the role. His extensive experience across sectors and thorough understanding of Welsh issues will add enormously to our programme of activity.”
She added: “Jon’s passion for developing more adaptable and resilient food, farming and countryside sectors is exactly what we were looking for.”
Mr Nott said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to recruit Jon to work with us in Wales. I’m looking forward to working with him to accelerate progress and ensure Welsh businesses can seize the opportunities to flourish in a new green economy.”
Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank has bolstered its support for businesses in South Wales with the appointment of Dave Atkinson as its new regional director.
Mr Atkinson will oversee Lloyds Bank’s SME and mid-corporate operations across South Wales and the Midlands.
He arrives after spending three years as regional director of Lloyds Bank’s operations in the East of England, and brings 34 years of experience to the team, having started his career with Lloyds Bank in 1988.
He will also continue in his role as Lloyds Banking Group’s UK head of manufacturing. He recently authored the UK Manufacturing: From Now to Net Zero report, outlining the steps firms can take to transition to net zero emissions.
Mr Atkinson said: “It’s a hugely exciting time for businesses in South Wales and I hope my joining the team will build on the knowledge and expertise we already have to help firms in the region prosper and support them on their journey to net-zero.
“South Wales has a thriving hospitality and leisure industry and with Covid-19 restrictions coming to an end, firms are gearing up to capitalise on growth opportunities it will present. We will offer the tailored support businesses need to make the most of these opportunities and continue their growth.”
Nightingale HQ
Artificial intelligence (AI) company, Nightingale HQ, has appointed Ruth Kearney as its new chief executive as it looks to expand its operation overseas in the next 12 months.
The Cardiff-headquartered software company, which helps manufacturers digitise their operations, has seen significant growth in the manufacturing sector across the UK, Ireland and Germany and now expects further partnerships across Europe in the next year.
Co-founder and former commercial director of the company, Ms Kearney has a strong business development background in innovation and technology.
She is currently developing these new European partnerships and plans to expand the company’s operations and build stronger links with manufacturing networks Made Smarter in the UK, IDEAM in Ireland and EIT Manufacturing.
Ms Kearney said: “It’s a fantastic time to be at the helm of a technology company and there are many opportunities for collaboration and synergy in manufacturing. We have managed to expand during very challenging times and I’m optimistic about what lies ahead.”
She added: “We are a small team but we have grown a customer base across Europe and we will continue to scale this, building on our growing reputation for delivering quality solutions with demonstrable value. We are seeing increased demand for data integration and quick win automation projects that deliver a real ROI fast."
Steph Locke, co-founder and outgoing chief executive, will take on a new role as chairperson. She said: “Nightingale HQ has been a phenomenal company to create and grow. It’s on a path to success that will take it into strong services and product development within manufacturing.”
She added: “Growing the company during tough operating conditions these past few years has been no mean feat, but I believe Ruth will be the best person to implement company goals going forward. I will be taking on the chairperson role to support Ruth and build a Board that helps the company grow.”
Careers Wales
Careers Wales has appointed Erica Cassin as new chair of its board.
Ms Cassin’s will hold the position for three years following confirmation from Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething.
A member of the board since September 2020, she replaces Debra Williams who has been chair since April 2016.
Prior to Careers Wales, Ms Cassin has more than 20 years’ experience in HR, with previous roles including HR director for large private sector employers in healthcare, pharmaceutical and financial services sectors in the UK.
Ms Cassin said: “As we slowly rebuild back from the pandemic, it’s never been more important for the people of Wales to have all-encompassing education, training and employment support, particularly for those from more disadvantaged, deprived or harder to reach areas.”
James Harvey has also been appointed a board member for the next three years.
Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, said: “I am delighted to welcome Erica as our new chair, her contribution to date has been invaluable and I look forward to working with her over the next three years.”
Ms Lawrence added: “We have many more challenges and opportunities to come, and with Erica at the helm, we will continue to drive forward and deliver a careers support service of the highest quality for the people of Wales.”
In The Welsh Wind
Gin distillery In The Welsh Wind has appointed Dan Jones as sales and export manager as it looks to develop a strong export strategy
Mr Jones joins the brand from dairy producer Daioni Organic, where he spent 10 years growing its retail and wholesale accounts in the UK and expanding the business’s export market in the Middle East and Asia.
Mr Jones joins the distillery as it looks to launch the brand into the UK and global markets.
He said: “2022 will be a defining year for the company as we build a platform for future success.”
Co-founder and director Ellen Wakelam said: “Our sales have grown organically over the last four years since we began trading and we’re now ready to take a more targeted approach so that as many people as possible can enjoy the premium spirits we produce here on the Welsh coast.”
“We already work with international customers on the custom spirits side of our business, producing gin for brands as far afield as France, Malta and Japan. We’re now planning the export strategy for our gin and our grain-to-glass Welsh origin whisky.”
During the pandemic, the distillery, based at Tanygroes near Cardigan, reduced its team of four staff to one as employees moved to pursue other interests following furlough.
Since then the distillery has grown its team and now employs 15 staff at the distillery and its newly opened gin bar, Bar 45 in Cardigan. It plans to recruit more workers this year in line with business growth.
Lovell
Cardiff-based developer Lovell is building on its plans for growth across the country with the appointment of Mark Harris as new land manager for its South Wales division.
Mr Harris brings to the role over 30 years’ experience in the land and development sector, having previously worked for housing associations, PLC housebuilders and his own private consultancy business.
He will utilise his existing relationships with land owners and agents to overcome the challenge of finding land opportunities to accommodate future housing developments in a competitive market.
Mr Harris said: “Each day is very different, with every site being acquired having different challenges.”
He added: “The best part of the role is sourcing land for a number of different uses, whether that be for open market sale, mixed-tenure partnership or delivering affordable homes.”
Regional partnerships director Gemma Clissett said: “[Mark] is a valuable addition to the company and brings with him a wealth of knowledge, connections and experience that will help the region achieve its ambitious growth plans.”
