Gareth Jones – Founder & CEO, TownSq Gareth Jones -Founder & CEO, TownSq Gareth Jones is the founder and CEO of TownSq, a B Corp dedicated to building community-led coworking spaces and supporting entrepreneurs across the UK. Previously, he founded Welsh ICE, one of the UK’s largest communities of entrepreneurs. Gareth serves on the Prime Minister’s Small Business, Scale-ups and Entrepreneurs Business Council and is a director of the UK Coworking Assembly. Recognised as a Maserati 100 entrepreneur and an UnLtd Future Pioneer, he is passionate about fostering inclusive business ecosystems and driving systems change. Wales has a £multi-billion funding problem Read More What is Wales’ vision for small businesses: The foundation of our economy? Read More

Kevin Ward – BID Manager, Newport Now Kevin Ward – BID Manager, Newport Now Kevin Ward is the BID Manager of Newport Now, overseeing initiatives to enhance Newport’s city centre. With a 32-year journalism career, including serving as Editor of the South Wales Argus, he founded Kevin Ward Media Ltd in 2017 to provide management and PR services. A Newport resident since 1989, Kevin holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and actively contributes to the community through roles with Newport Live and the Newport Business Against Crime Partnership. His leadership has been pivotal in delivering projects that support local businesses and foster community engagement. ‘Events, Events, Events’: That’s the mantra for Newport city centre Read More

Carolyn Brownell – Executive Director, FOR Cardiff Carolyn Brownell Carolyn Brownell is the Executive Director of FOR Cardiff, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), and has over 16 years of experience in the BID sector. In 2024, she became the first woman to lead a city BID in Wales. A strong advocate for gender equality and urban safety, she has led initiatives like the Women’s Safety Charter and is a National Ambassador for the Ask Angela campaign. Carolyn also serves as Vice Chair of ATCM Wales and is the Chair of Cardiff Business Events Partnership. Cardiff 2028: A capital in transformation Read More

Andrew Douglas – BID Manager, Swansea Andrew Douglas – BID Manager, Swansea Andrew Douglas is the BID Manager at Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), having stepped into the role in early 2025 after five years in various roles, including Head of Operations. With a deep understanding of the city centre’s dynamics, he is committed to enhancing Swansea’s reputation as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Under his leadership, Swansea BID continues to support over 800 businesses, fostering growth and community engagement. Andrew’s vision focuses on showcasing Swansea on the national stage and driving initiatives that contribute to a thriving city centre. Swansea: A city on the up! Read More