Author Archive

Wales will keep the stamp duty rate on second homes in line with England when the tax is devolved from April 2018 Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said he hoped that a City Deal to boost the economy of the Swansea Bay City Region will be confirmed in the first Autumn Statement from Chancellor […]

The DoE scheme involved 11,000 young people in Wales last year, but the aim is to increase  it by 5,000 by 2020. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which this year is celebrating its 60th anniversary, provides the future employees that companies need to succeed, the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, told a business audience. […]

The proposed Development Bank for Wales should have the aspiration of doubling the financial fire power it provides to SMEs in the first five years, believes the chief executive of Finance Wales Giles Thorley. Mr Thorley, who took up his role with Finance Wales – which is wholly-owned by the Welsh Government – last April, […]

The proposed £370m Circuit of Wales project should be seen as far more than just a racetrack but a destination venue that will promote Wales globally and boost the economy, said its chief executive Martin Whitaker. Addressing a meeting of Cardiff Breakfast Club, Mr Whitaker said the project, subject to Welsh Government support, was “ready […]

To get the loyalty and growth rate they want businesses have to connect with consumers in a way that is useful in their lives, digital campaigns entrepreneur Glynn Pegler told an audience at Cardiff Breakfast Club. Mr Pegler is the founder of the Culture Group, a Cardiff-based digital content company that has developed campaigns for […]

Brian Lakin is the founder and chief executive Sigma 3, the kitchen manufacturer and retailer based in Llantrisant. Over more than 40 years he has built the company from a shed on his uncle’s farm to the £20m turnover business of today, employing 200 directly and selling its bespoke kitchens through its own showrooms, 120 […]

A Cardiff-based technology company has developed the world’s first rapid testing device for anthrax if used in a terrorist attack. Addressing a meeting of Cardiff Breakfast Club one of Wales’s leading entrepreneurs and investors, Alan Peterson, confirmed that BBI Group – which he chairs – has developed an innovative testing device that can identify the […]

The chief executive of the company behind Wales’ most ambitious commercial regeneration development Central Square, Paul McCarthy, said its first speculative office scheme is closing in on being fully let. Addressing a meeting of Cardiff Breakfast Club, Mr McCarthy also confirmed construction firm Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed main contractor for the proposed £150m […]

The automotive sector offers a fantastic opportunity for inward investment into Wales, the chief executive of the Wales Automotive Forum Addressing a meeting of Cardiff Breakfast Club Tim Williams said these opportunities applied to SMEs within and outside Wales, affording them a chance to expand and take advantage of what lay ahead. “After 16 years […]