BusinessIn Wales

Commercial Property, Construction, Construction Special, Energy, Farming, Finance, Food & Drink, HR & Culture, Legal, Manufacturing, Marketing, Mergers & Acquisitions, Recruitment, Residential Property, Skills & Training, Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Innovation, Tourism & Travel, Transport & Infrastructure

Wales Director of the Year Awards shortlist announced

Wales Director of the Year Awards shortlist announced Wales Director of the Year Awards shortlist announced Daniel Bevan – Editor Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Business leaders from across Wales have been shortlisted for this year’s Wales Director of the Year Awards. The Institute of Directors Wales (IoD Wales) announced the 2026 shortlist, recognising senior figures who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation and sustainability.  The annual awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Cardiff Business School, celebrate individuals shaping positive change across the private, public and third sectors. A total of 38 directors have been named as finalists across 10 categories. Among those leading the field are representatives from Cardiff and Vale College and Cyd Innovation Ltd, each securing places in three categories. Head judge Alys Smith said: “It was an absolute pleasure to review this year’s submissions.  “The calibre of entries across Wales has been exceptional, showcasing not only innovative and resilient businesses, but also truly inspiring leadership. “My thanks go to my fellow judges for their time, insight and thoughtful debate throughout the process.  “Narrowing down the shortlist was no easy task, which is a testament to the strength and depth of talent we have here in Wales.” Richard Selby MBE DL, National Chair of IoD Wales, said: “The Wales Director of the Year Awards celebrate leadership talent, success and achievement across all industry sectors, highlighting the remarkable contributions of business leaders to their teams, industries and communities.  “This year’s incredibly strong shortlist exemplifies what these awards stand for.” The winners will be revealed at a ceremony taking place at ICC Wales in Newport on Friday 8 May.  Alongside the category awards, the event will also see the presentation of the Chair’s Award for Excellence. Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts

Advertorials, Charities Special, Commercial Property, Construction, Construction Special, Energy, Farming, Finance, Food & Drink, HR & Culture, Legal, Manufacturing, Marketing, Mergers & Acquisitions, Public Sector & Government, Recruitment, Residential Property, Skills & Training, Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Innovation, Tourism & Travel, Transport & Infrastructure

‘Shocked. Honoured. Overjoyed.’: Meet the Womenin Wales Awards Class of 2026

‘Shocked. Honoured. Overjoyed.’: Meet the Womenin Wales Awards Class of 2026 ‘Shocked. Honoured. Overjoyed.’: Meet the Womenin Wales Awards Class of 2026 Daniel Bevan – Editor Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  The inaugural Womenin Wales Awards has been hailed as a huge success as more than 250 guests gathered to champion the Welsh women making a difference on a daily basis. Taking home the top prizes were Pippa Prichard of recycling, construction and demolition firm Prichard’s and former Wales international Jess Fishlock, picking up Businesswoman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively. The latter was also the first to be crowned Woman of the Year, an accolade handed to the winner of winners. Held at the Marriott in Cardiff, the awards are a celebration of the women who make extraordinary contributions to the Welsh sport and business landscapes and were sold out within days of the finalists being announced. The night was supported by a long list of brilliant businesses and institutions, including headline sponsor Hello Starling. The categories were independently judged by a panel who themselves were worthy of awards and had the unfortunate task of whittling down the shortlist to a small number of finalists and picking winners at the judging day, hosted by the Park Plaza in Cardiff. The panel was made up of Carol Hall, Co-Investment Network Manager at the Development Bank of Wales, Emma Waddingham, Editor and Founder of Legal News Wales, Princess Onyeanusi, Founder and Chief Executive of Safe Online Space Cymru, Ria Burrage-Male, a former international athlete, Sarah Jones, CEO of FinTech Wales, as well as James Robinson, Managing Director of Hello Starling. After months of planning, the stage was set The evening kicked off with a spellbinding performance by Sophie Evans and Steffan Hughes of Broadway Brunch, bringing their patented charm and humour to start proceedings. Masterfully taking on hosting duties was award-winning radio DJ, and one of the faces of Sky Sports Darts, Polly James. The trophies themselves were created by Dragon Signs and the stage decor, as well as the photo boards, were created by Colour Studios, all of which was designed by The Dragon Group’s in-house creative team. The first award of the night was Contribution to Charity, sponsored by Bevan Buckland, which went to Chloe Smith of Big Moose. The mental health charity provides fast and effective therapy within 24 hours of making contact and gets them in front of a therapist within seven days. The judges were particularly impressed with the sheer amount of fundraising challenges Chloe had undertaken including becoming the youngest Welsh woman ever to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at just 15, raising £15,000 for charity in the process. Her motivational speaking work for local businesswomen, while always championing good mental health, was also noted by the judges. For Chloe, the award was even more special, having had a kidney transplant less than six months ago. She said: “I’m really honoured. There’s an amazing atmosphere [in the room]. Lots of people and lots of lovely women.” Cymru’s double brace The big winners on the night were Cymru’s female footballers, scooping four awards in all. Media Champion, sponsored by Hello Starling, was awarded to Ffion Morgan, who was praised for giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at what being an international footballer is really like. Ffion said: “Diolch for this award. Thank you to my sister for making me start [playing football] in the first place and all the followers and people who have come across and liked any of my content in the last couple of years. “To share Wales and inspire young people along the way has been fantastic. I hope to continue sharing the Welsh language and sharing our culture on social media and across the world. Diolch yn fawr.” Former Cymru player Jess Fishlock was the winner of Sportswoman of the Year, sponsored by Nathaniel Cars, and Woman of the Year, sponsored by Glamorgan Cricket, at the ceremony. The judges praised Fishlock for the high standards demonstrated throughout her career and the legacy she has created for sport in Wales. She said: “I’m super honoured to win Sportswoman of the Year, especially after the last year of my international career. It’s always nice to win awards and to do it off the back of such a great year is always nice. “My family have been the backbone of my career from day one. My teammates, former teammates now — without them we wouldn’t have been able to create or achieve what we have done collectively.” On receiving the award for Woman of the Year, she added: “I’m used to having ‘sports’ added to the awards so it’s a little strange to win something else. “Thank you very much for my Woman of the Year award, it’s a huge honour and something that I will cherish deeply.” Cymru were also awarded the Team of the Year prize for qualifying for their first ever major tournament, the EUROs, inspiring a nation in the process. Cymru captain, Angharad James, said: “I wanted to say a massive diolch on behalf of the team. It’s truly an honour to pick up the Team of the Year award tonight. “For us it was a special summer. To represent Cymru on the biggest stage at the EUROs in Switzerland was a dream come true, and a very proud moment for all of us.” Business’ big winners Taking home the gong for Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by Cardiff Business School, was Pippa Prichard, Director of Prichard’s. The judges were incredibly impressed by the journey Prichard’s has been on over the last three decades, with Pippa steering the ship in a very male-dominated environment. Founded in 1995 with just a tractor and trailer, Prichard’s now employs over 400 people and operates in the recycling, demolition and construction industries. Speaking shortly after coming off stage, Pippa said: “I’m incredibly honoured to win this award. To be in a room with such power, with all those women from business

Charities Special, Commercial Property, Construction, Construction Special, Energy, Farming, Finance, Food & Drink, HR & Culture, Legal, Manufacturing, Marketing, Mergers & Acquisitions, Recruitment, Residential Property, Skills & Training, Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Innovation, Tourism & Travel, Transport & Infrastructure

Wales Business Awards shortlist announced

Wales Business Awards shortlist announced Wales Business Awards shortlist announced Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  The Wales Business Awards, organised by Businessin Wales partners Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, has released the full shortlist for its 2026 edition.   72 Welsh companies have been named as finalists across 13 categories* ahead of the award ceremony on May 14th at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, where the winners will be revealed.   The Wales Business Awards celebrates the achievements of Wales best companies, recognising innovation, hard work and success, with the award ceremony bringing together the Welsh business community, ministers and dignitaries.   Judges for this year’s awards include members of the Chambers Wales management team, as well as representatives from award sponsors Browne Jacobson, Educ8, People Plus, Natwest, Menzies, TMPR, Xeinadin, Steer, Blake Morgan, iungo Solutions and Gavin Griffiths Group.   One of the 2026 category winners will also be named as ‘Wales Business of the Year’ on the night, having impressed the judges with its strong financial performance, by being a great employer and promoting Brand Wales.   Last year’s Wales Business of the Year was Pontyclun-based Concrete Canvas.  Will Crawford, Director at Concrete Canvas, said of the win: “We were totally blown away to be awarded Business of the Year at the Welsh Business Awards last year.  “It has been amazing exposure for our company and highlighted the incredible work of everyone at Concrete Canvas and our partners around the world.   “The Awards dinner was a great night for the entire team and then to be able to get up on stage and celebrate winning with all our colleagues was the cherry on top.   “Being a Wales Business Award winner has really helped our business in building credibility with customers, generating great publicity and building brand awareness; and created a real sense of pride within the company for what we have achieved together.”   Gus Williams, CEO of Chambers Wales, said of the shortlisted companies: “The Wales Business Awards shine a light on the businesses helping to shape Wales’s economic future.  “This year’s finalists reflect the remarkable ambition, innovation and leadership found across organisations of every size and sector throughout Wales.   “From organisations transforming their industries to those making a powerful contribution to their communities and the wider economy, these businesses demonstrate the strength, resilience and potential of Welsh enterprise.”   And, for more information about Chambers Wales, and the Welsh Business Awards, visit: https://cw-seswm.com/events/wales-business-awards-2026/ Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts

Advertorials, Commercial Property, Construction, Construction Special, Residential Property

Gelar Property: Your Outsourced In-House Property Team

Gelar Property: Your Outsourced In-House Property Team Gelar Property: Your Outsourced In-House Property Team Advertorial Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  When it comes to commercial property advice, few understand the balance between operational efficiency and strategic growth better than Lucy King, Managing Director of Gelar Property. Based in Cardiff, Lucy has built Gelar around one clear vision, to become an extension of every client’s business, offering the experience and insight of an in-house property department without the fixed overheads. “In a nutshell, we’re an outsourced in-house property function,” Lucy explains. “That means we can either be the entire property team for a business, or we can support an already established existing one. Our approach is collaborative, we become part of the team, working closely with finance, operations and the Board so that everything stays aligned. We’re not an external company looking in, we’re a cog in the wheel of the client’s business.” Lucy’s inspiration for launching Gelar came after years of working inside large retail property teams at brands such as Halfords and other high street retailers. “I was doing the job internally and started to think: ‘why couldn’t I do this as my own business, offering the same service but to multiple clients?’ There was a clear gap in the market for outsourced in-house expertise, especially for retailers with smaller teams/ portfolios or those looking to scale,” she says. That insight proved correct. Since its launch, Gelar has gone from strength to strength, working with some of the UK’s best-known brands. “We’ve ended up being quite tenant/ operator biased,” Lucy explains. “We tend to work for the operators themselves, the retailers, healthcare operators, the franchisees, rather than the landlords.” The consultancy’s portfolio is diverse spanning retail, food and beverage, healthcare, and veterinary sectors. “We now represent a whole host of different companies including the likes of Linnaeus Veterinary Group, which has around 250 sites and is owned by Mars and Connells/ Countrywide who have a staggering 1600 sites” Lucy adds. “Our work takes us all over the UK, from high street stores to retail parks and trade counters.” While Gelar’s reach is national, Lucy is proud to be building the business from Wales. “I trained in Cardiff and always wanted to come back. There are so few property consultancies like ours outside of London, so it’s great to be putting Wales on the map,” she says. “We collaborate with London-based firms when needed, but being based here gives us a real point of difference, especially as more clients are open to flexible, blended working post-Covid.” Looking ahead, Lucy is focused on sustainable growth. “We’ve had a fantastic year, and I’m excited about what’s next,” she says. “We’ve taken our time to get the fundamentals right; we didn’t want to run before we could walk. Now we’re in our third year, we’re looking at how to scale sensibly, and I’ve spotted another gap in the market that I’m keen to develop.” What makes Gelar stand out, Lucy believes, is its depth of understanding. “We’ve sat in the client’s seat. We know it’s not just about acquiring a site or renewing a lease; it’s about aligning with the wider business strategy and making sure everyone’s on board. Every client gets a tailored plan from the outset, and that makes our approach genuinely unique.” With an ever-growing list of national clients, a commitment to collaboration, and roots firmly in Wales, Gelar Property is proving that property expertise delivered with a personal touch is a model that truly works. Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify No Posts Found!

Advertorials, Construction, Construction Special

Q&A with Pippa Prichard, Director of Prichard’s, as firm celebrates 30th anniversary

Q&A with Pippa Prichard, Director of Prichard’s, as firm celebrates 30th anniversary Q&A with Pippa Prichard, Director of Prichard’s, as firm celebrates 30th anniversary advertorial Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Q: For those who are unaware, tell us about Prichard’s. A: Prichard’s is one of the largest multi-disciplinary businesses in the UK. We are the largest family-run business in Wales. Established in 1995 by our MD, Tom Prichard, we have grown extensively over the last 30 years and now have more than 400 directly employed staff, over 100 sub-contractors, a fleet of over 100 HGVs, and more than 5,000 items of plant machinery. Prichard’s is made up of 14 subsidiary companies, all of which feed into one another, making us one of the only construction companies in the UK able to see most construction, remediation, and demolition projects through from start to finish. From recycling to plant hire, rail to waste management, and demolition to rail services, we are able to offer it all. Q: You’re celebrating your 30th anniversary this year. That must feel like an exciting milestone. A: Yes, 30 years is a key milestone for us. Tom was just 16 years old when he started the business with a tractor and trailer, and to stand back and watch what has been created from that makes me extremely proud. Q: How do you reflect on the early days? A: The early days consisted of Tom and a handful of staff, who were initially friends rather than employees, some of whom are still working here today and have been present throughout the meteoric rise of Prichard’s. Tom’s first employee was Darren, fondly known within the company as Archie. He has progressed over the years from an HGV/tractor driver to management level, and he is now our General Manager and continues to be Tom’s right-hand man. A big shout-out to Archie for all his hard work and dedication throughout the years. We wouldn’t be where we are today without him. The early days involved running the business from an old barn at Tom’s family farm, painfully slow internet connections, and lengthy queues for a single diesel pump. In 2015 we invested in a new site on Llantrisant Business Park, and construction of temporary offices and state-of-the-art workshops began. Since then, we have purchased more land surrounding our head office site to accommodate our rapid growth. The temporary offices have been extended multiple times, and planning was granted this year to build a new office structure, more workshops, and new Research & Development and Training Centres. The family farm now stands relatively quiet, and we often wonder how we managed to operate from there for so long, but it will always be that special place where it all began. Q: What’s the highlight of the last 30 years (if you can pick just one!)? A: It’s impossible to pinpoint one highlight from the last 30 years. There have been so many. There have been incredible highs but also some very real lows; both sides have shaped who we are today. Building something from nothing, relying on pure determination and drive, is not for the faint-hearted. From landing our first customer to securing our first major contract, watching the payroll numbers increase and seeing people recognise our brand, these are all such important milestones. We’ve learnt hard and fast and, personally, I’ve developed a resilience and decisiveness that’s hard to pick up in any other way. Q: What are some of the projects you’re working on now that you’re most proud of? A: We currently have some high-value and prominent projects for high-profile clients, and many of your readers will have seen the demolition of the old Howell’s department store in the centre of Cardiff. To be able to see our logo on buildings such as Howell’s gives us a huge sense of pride. We were also appointed to demolish Cowbridge Comprehensive School earlier this year. This one was particularly poignant for us, as it was the school Tom attended until he was 16. To return in such a different capacity filled us with immense pride. Q: What are the plans for the next 30 years? A: As both Tom and I work full-time within the business, we are hoping to continue our extensive growth. We are grateful for every employee, past and present, for helping us build Prichard’s into the recognisable household name it is today. Over the next 30 years, I see the business continuing to evolve to offer even more products and services. I don’t want to see us grow only in size. I want to see growth in depth, legacy, and our ability to shape the next generations of what this industry becomes.   Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify No Posts Found!

Construction, Construction Special, Manufacturing, Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Innovation

Tata Steel UK CEO: British steel consumption at its ‘lowest since the Industrial Revolution’

Tata Steel UK CEO: British steel consumption at its ‘lowest since the Industrial Revolution’ Tata Steel UK CEO: British steel consumption at its ‘lowest since the Industrial Revolution’ Daniel Bevan – Editor Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  UK steel consumption is at its lowest point since the Industrial Revolution, according to Tata Steel UK CEO Rajesh Nair. His comments come as the company is in the early stages of its transformation of its Port Talbot site, one of the largest industrial projects in the UK, which Nair says is progressing “pretty much to plan”. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Businessin Wales, Nair outlined the company’s path through restructuring, decarbonisation, and the construction of a new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) that will redefine steelmaking in South Wales. Construction officially began on the new EAF in July, a move backed by a £500 million UK Government grant, bringing the total investment in the project to £1.25 billion. The move is expected to secure 5,000 jobs across the UK and significantly reduce carbon emissions in Welsh steelmaking. “The lowest point” for UK steel Reflecting on the wider industry, Nair said the UK steel sector is currently at its weakest point since the Industrial Revolution. “Frankly speaking, we are at its lowest, I think since steel originated here,” he said. “Even 20 years ago, we were at a much higher level. So, this is probably the lowest point of the steel industry in the UK.” Transitioning to greener steel The Electric Arc Furnace, a cleaner alternative to traditional blast furnaces, is expected to cut Port Talbot’s carbon emissions by 90%. The shift to greener technology also positions the UK steel sector as a potential global leader in sustainable steel production. Nair described Tata Steel’s dual focus: winding down the traditional iron and steelmaking while simultaneously developing the new EAF project. He praised the professionalism and care with which the wind-down has been handled. “We’ve done pretty well in terms of safely and professionally winding down the old assets and also working with our trades union colleagues  to make sure that all the people affected by the restructuring are treated well,” he said. “It’s gone pretty well to all of our satisfaction without any incident, either a safety incident or an environmental incident.” In the meantime, Tata Steel UK has put in place a “re-roller business model” to maintain supply to customers by importing steel slabs of coil from other steelworks worldwide. “We have really not let any of our customers down,” Nair said. “We had to find sources of nearly 3 million tonnes of steel to be used in our UK business… We’ve been able to work with partners to build the necessary infrastructure, to bring the steel in and then to transport all that steel from the ports to Port Talbot and to other sites across the UK.” Building one of the world’s largest Electric Arc Furnaces The construction of the EAF at Port Talbot is already well underway. Nair revealed that about 400,000 tonnes of material have already been excavated from the site, with plans to reuse it in construction. Around 1,200 construction workers will be employed on-site at the project’s peak. “Since we made the announcement, we have been able to place all our orders for the equipment with all the OEMs [Original Equipment Manufacturers],” Nair said. “You would have seen the formal groundbreaking that happened, that was on the back of us getting our planning approvals in time.” “It is probably one of the largest Electric Arc Furnaces being built at this point in time,” Nair said. Managing job losses and supporting workers The transition has come with significant workforce changes, a reality Nair described as emotionally difficult but necessary for the long-term survival of the UK steel industry. “Nobody would like to have a transformation or transition which results in redundancies,” he said.“But having come to the decision after all the evaluation, if it involves people, then it is about being absolutely empathetic and doing everything you can to make sure you manage the people who are affected in the right way.” Nair said that of around 2,200 employees who have left the business, roughly 1,400 did so voluntarily, while compulsory redundancies were limited to just over 120. Training, retraining, and voluntary furlough schemes have also been key to the company’s approach. “We put in place a 12-month training programme for people if they were interested… Similarly, we created a furlough scheme for people who had skills in steelmaking,” he explained. “We tried everything possible to give people an opportunity to find another job.” A vision for sustainable growth Nair, who also serves as Chair of UK Steel, believes the Port Talbot project can help restore confidence in British steelmaking by proving that green technology and industrial growth can coexist. “The fact that we are building an Electric Arc Furnace for flat products… will give us a much better level of sovereign capability to underpin UK manufacturing supply chains,” he said. “At the same time, the discussions that are going on with respect to policy support and support in energy will help us to build the right level of competitiveness.” He added: “This is probably a very good example of how sustainability, decarbonisation and circularity can go hand in hand with industrialisation. “Very often people talk about decarbonisation meaning deindustrialisation. This could be a very good example of how decarbonisation can actually be a catalyst for industrialisation, in particular in the UK.” Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify No Posts Found!

Construction, Construction Special

How Swansea’s regeneration is building more than just new homes

How Swansea’s regeneration is building more than just new homes How Swansea’s regeneration is building more than just new homes Andrew Douglas – BID Manager, Swansea Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  This month’s theme is construction. I have to admit, my first thought when I was told this was, “Great, what do I know about construction?” Sure, I could share some amusing anecdotes about my time working in the industry as a materials technician in North Wales about 20 years ago (including one about me in a radioactive van), but that’s about it. So, I poured myself a coffee, leaned back in my chair and started to rack my brain for a suitable thread I could pull to eke out an article. It was then that the fly-through on the Invest in Swansea website caught my eye as it displayed on our office screen, and an idea was born. Swansea is going through major regeneration. Billions are flowing into the city from the City Deal, the council and private investors. If you head to investswansea.com, you can see the fly-through and the amount of work still to come, as well as what’s already been done. Regeneration isn’t all about fancy new arenas and tourist facilities; it’s also about homes. There are over a thousand new homes currently being built around the city, whether new builds or repurposing existing buildings in the city centre. In total, that’s creating thousands of jobs across all aspects of the construction trade, and a lot of our local trades are benefiting from that work. Last week, the Swansea.com Stadium hosted the Welsh Construction Show. I wasn’t able to attend this year, but by all accounts, it was buzzing. There were over 50 exhibitors, and hundreds came through the doors. The importance of the construction industry to the local economy is summed up by that list of exhibitors. There were representatives from industries such as finance, training, legal, motoring, communications, IT, hotels and logistics, all alongside the exhibitors you’d expect at a construction show — Sell2Wales, building suppliers, health and safety consultants and contractors themselves. As business owners, we all know that these shows can be a commitment of resources — the staff on the day, the cost of the freebies and roller banners, along with the cost of the stand in the first place. It’s a testament to the event that a lot of companies have stands year after year, which means they are getting a decent ROI. This event alone shows the strength and importance of the industry in the city. When we see the major projects going on, it’s easy to forget the smaller contributions that the construction industry makes to the city. A house extension here, a rewire there — all these smaller jobs (although to those having their house rewired, it isn’t a small job) add to the economy. The majority of the firms doing these jobs can pivot very quickly from a small house extension to building 30 homes. All they need are skilled people — and with the right people, companies can go far. Over the last few years, for example, I have watched a friend’s company grow from him and two boys in a van to eight vans, 25 sparkies and an office team to manage it all. The vast majority of his work is in Swansea. That’s seven vans bought locally, 25 extra wages heading into our local shops, and all the kit he needs for his jobs is bought from local suppliers. So whilst he may be working on larger national contracts, the financial benefits are seen locally. It can be said that the positive effects of a regeneration project begin long before the doors open — thanks to the construction industry. Anyway, back to me in this radioactive van driving through the centre of London… Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify No Posts Found!

Advertorials, Construction, Construction Special, Finance

Howden: Specialist Support for the Construction Industry

Specialist Support for the Construction Industry Specialist Support for the Construction Industry Advertorial Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Howden, one of the UK’s largest independent insurance brokers, was founded 30 years ago with a focus on exceptional service – something we still pride ourselves on today. We care deeply about our clients and communities, using insurance as a force for good to protect what matters most. As a proud insurance provider with deep roots in Wales, we’ve been supporting businesses and individuals with tailored cover for decades. Our journey began in Cardiff in 1978, expanded to Newport in 2011, and most recently grew to include Ystrad Mynach in 2019 – each branch a testament to our commitment to local communities and long-term relationships. All three offices are headed up by Karen Heaven, whose leadership ensures consistency, expertise, and a personal touch across our South Wales operations. We specialise in both commercial and personal lines insurance, offering bespoke solutions for businesses of all sizes – from sole traders to large enterprises – as well as cover for individuals and families. Whether it’s protecting your premises, your people, or your peace of mind, our team is here to help. With nearly five decades of experience and a strong local presence, we’re proud to be a trusted partner for Welsh businesses.   Specialist Support for the Construction Industry We understand the unique risks faced by the construction sector and offer a range of products to keep your operations protected:   Public Liability & Employers’ Liability – Essential cover for legal and compensation costs. Contractors’ All Risks (CAR) – Protection for building works, materials, and temporary structures. Tools Insurance – Cover for theft, loss, or damage to essential equipment. Fleet Insurance – Flexible policies for commercial vehicles, from vans to lorries.   Whether you’re a sole trader or a large contractor, our team works closely with you to build a policy that fits your business.   Why Choose Us? Local expertise with nearly five decades of experience in Wales. Personal service from a dedicated team who understand your industry. Tailored cover to suit your business needs and budget. Quick, responsive support when you need it most. We have access to a wide range of markets and trusted insurer partners, allowing us to find the right cover for your needs.   Whatever your business, we will help you find great value cover that’s right for your needs. Call us on 02920 626226 or e mail at Cardiff.insurance@howdeninsurance.co.uk to talk about how we can support your business.   Howden is a trading name of A Plan Holdings, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.   Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify No Posts Found!

Construction, Construction Special, Manufacturing

A week in the life of an IoD Wales Chair

A week in the life of an IoD Wales Chair A week in the life of an IoD Wales Chair Daniel Bevan – Editor Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  After steering the Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales through one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory, Richard Selby will step down as national chair when his term comes to an end next year. Selby, who is also Managing Director of Pro Steel Engineering, took on the voluntary leadership role at the start of the pandemic, a time, he says, that was “unexpected” in every sense. “I came into the role at the start of the pandemic and had to deal with a huge amount of change, both in terms of the membership structure and the organisation itself,” he said. “The IoD is an SME like many businesses here in Wales, and it had its own challenges to face. Members really stepped up to help the operational teams, and we became a crucial conduit between government and business.” During his tenure, Selby helped guide the IoD through significant internal restructuring while ensuring members across Wales had a voice during the uncertainty of lockdowns and recovery. “It was a challenging, rewarding and unexpected time,” he reflected. “Following the pandemic, it’s been great to finally do the role I expected, leading a membership organisation and focusing on growth and engagement.” Balancing his IoD commitments with running a national engineering firm was no small feat. “It’s a challenge, to be honest with you,” he said. “Your business has to take priority most of the time, but if you commit to a senior voluntary role like this, you’ve got to put the time and effort in. You’re representing more than 400 business leaders across Wales, so it’s important to lead with integrity and energy.” Selby, who co-founded Pro Steel Engineering in 2012, believes his experience as a business leader helped him relate to members’ real-world challenges, but he stresses that the role is as much about listening as leading. “Having led my own business for 13 years, working in an organisation where you’re influencing others to create a better business environment has been challenging but also an incredible learning opportunity,” he said. As the IoD begins the search for his successor, Selby has clear thoughts on the qualities the next chair will need. “You need lived experience, to really understand what it’s like to run a business in Wales, where the opportunities and challenges are,” he said. “You also need to be open to other views, because the IoD is sector-agnostic and politically neutral. It’s about facts, data and how that translates into real business confidence.” The time commitment, he adds, is “flexible but meaningful”. “It might be a few hours a week on average, with the occasional trip to London or another devolved nation for strategy sessions,” he explained.  “The heavy lifting of organisational restructuring is done, so the next chair needs to bring a clear vision — how do we present ourselves as the leadership and governance organisation that helps drive Wales’s economic growth?” Reflecting on his time in post, Selby said the variety of the role was one of its greatest rewards. “One day you’re discussing a new steel structure contract, the next you’re meeting the outgoing Director of the Wales Office or giving input to the Treasury about the appointment of a new Crown Estate Commissioner,” he said.  “It’s incredibly varied, but it’s also a privilege to be able to share the lived experience of Welsh business leaders at a national level.” As Selby prepares to hand over the reins, he leaves the IoD Wales as an organisations that continues to champion good governance, strong leadership and the voice of Welsh business. Applications for the post are open until 30 November 2025. Candidates are asked to submit a CV and covering letter to Joanna.price@iod.com, while those seeking an informal conversation about the position can contact chair.wales@iod.net. Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify No Posts Found!

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