FM tells CBI Welsh Government committed to making sure ‘Wales remains competitive on the global stage’

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

More than 200 business leaders, politicians and key stakeholders gathered in Cardiff on 1 May for the CBI Wales Annual Lunch, where First Minister Eluned Morgan MS delivered a keynote address as part of the organisation’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

Held at the Parkgate Hotel, the event was sponsored by FOR Cardiff, the capital’s Business Improvement District (BID), and GOS Tool & Engineering, a leading engineering firm based in Blaenavon.

Guests heard insights from several high-profile speakers including Russell Greenslade, the newly appointed Director of CBI Wales; Alison Orrells, Chair of CBI Wales; Tracy Black, Chief Commercial Officer at CBI; and Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director at FOR Cardiff.

Joshua Western, CEO and co-founder of Cardiff-based space tech company Space Forge, also addressed the room, alongside Alan Francis, Managing Director of Gaunt Francis, who represented sponsor GOS Tool & Engineering, and Amanda Fenton, Director of Fundraising & Marketing at City Hospice – the CBI Wales charity partner for the event.

Top of the agenda during the lunchtime discussions were the economic implications of US trade tariffs, the state of the regional economy, skills development, and the upcoming Welsh Government international investment summit scheduled for December in Newport.

In her address, the First Minister highlighted the strength of Welsh industry and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working alongside the private sector: “It was a privilege to join CBI Wales for their 60th anniversary celebrations. Wales is building strength in key industries for the future, from semiconductors for mobile phones and electric vehicles to our celebrated creative industries.

My government is committed to working collaboratively with business leaders to drive sustainable economic growth and ensure Wales remains competitive on the global stage. By strengthening partnerships between government and industry we can attract investment, develop skills and create the conditions for businesses of all sizes to thrive.”

Russell Greenslade, Director of CBI Wales, praised the momentum and ambition of Welsh enterprise: “This lunch celebrated the businesses, innovators, and leaders shaping our future, alongside a thought-provoking discussion on how we can build on this momentum to deliver sustainable economic growth.

“Welsh businesses are leading the way. From pioneering technologies to attracting investment and driving innovation, Wales is demonstrating what a modern, agile economy can achieve.”

The event served as a platform for collaboration between public and private sectors and underscored the role of Welsh businesses in driving forward innovation and investment opportunities across the nation.