Three organisations that are helping to support the Welsh business community

It continues to be a difficult period for a number of businesses across Wales. Whilst the path ahead for many will still feel uncertain, it’s important to take time to reflect and consider some of the positive things we have all learnt over this last year.

One thing that has come into view is that our connections and networks are incredibly valuable, and we must continue to focus on maintaining them in the long term too. There has been such great resilience, community support and acts of kindness from each and every corner of the business world in Wales. It has been uplifting to see.

I’ve taken a look at some of the work happening, shining a spotlight on three organisations based in Wales that are supporting the Welsh business community.

CBI Wales

Founded over 50 years ago, the CBI is a Royal Charter organisation that meets regularly to as the voice of the business communities they serve. Over 190,000 firms are already part of the global network, making use of the events, programmes and online training tools on offer to help businesses to grow.

The organisation is committed to providing guidance, conducting business in a responsible manner and supporting communities where they operate, as well as working with partners on some of the challenges that we all face. At a time where business leaders are looking for external consultancies to support their business confidence, CBI Wales has proved adept at providing that reassurance and guidance.

Cardiff is home to one of their regional offices, providing a hub for local businesses to raise issues, concerns and signal opportunities for success too.

Take a look at their work here.

Global Welsh

Odgers Berndtson Wales are a proud founding patron of Global Welsh, an organisation that has connected diaspora in over 40 countries around the world - and this number is still growing! It engages this network to run initiatives focused on bringing inward investment and opportunity to Wales.

Our work in the executive search function focuses on connecting people, and so our values align with that of Global Welsh, recognising the challenges and opportunities that bringing people together creates; pulling together Wales’ global network presents a seismic opportunity for Wales.

The work of the organisation goes further than investment opportunities for the busines community though. Through sharing knowledge, facilitating business opportunities, and introducing like-minded people, they are a helping hand to many individuals and businesses that are looking for stability and support.

“Being Welsh is more than just geography, it’s a sense of pride and belonging.”

The organisation recently also appointed Nan Williams as their new Chair, and we are excited to work closely with them as they outline and deliver on their goals, aspirations, ambitions and opportunities in the months ahead.

Read more about their mission here.

Cardiff Business Club

This influential business network works hard in delivering its commitment to sustaining and promoting Cardiff as an exciting capital city and a great place in which to do business. It’s great that Odgers Berndtson Wales are a season sponsor again this year.

Cardiff Business Club invites speakers of international standing to address the members, having previously welcomed Katherine Bennett CBE, a Senior Vice President of Airbus; Jonathan Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Capita and Sir Wyn Williams, President of Welsh Tribunals.

Even though the Club would usually hold these events with a dinner and reception, they are still hosting them online during the lockdown restrictions. These events are incredibly valuable, especially as senior leaders face increasing pressures and issues of isolation whilst working remotely. The continuing online events provide a place to hear about similar experiences and networking opportunities with like-minded leaders across a range of industries and are proving are more important than ever in these times.

You can find out more about becoming part of this growing network, or future events here.

The business community in Wales, and Cardiff in particular, has demonstrated a real sense of togetherness and support. From local charities, independents and small businesses, to big corporates, our network of talent in the country is diverse and thriving, seeking guidance, advice and support at a time when they are most needed.