Institute of Directors return to networking in North Wales

David Roberts, chair of the North Wales IoD branch, hailed the business lunch event as a success for providing a relaxed setting for leaders to reconnect with their peers after more than two years of remote learning and activities.

The event, which took place at Bangor University's Management Centre, allowed attendees to catch up over a buffet-style lunch while listening to influential speakers share key economic developments, both segmented to Wales and across the UK.

IoD chief economist Kitty Usher provided insight on pressing concerns surrounding employment and inflation as well as sharing key market research gathered from IoD members on the top five business worries directors face.

North Wales IoD chair David Roberts.

In addition, Ambition North Wales' portfolio director Alwen Williams spoke on the organisation's goals to bolster employment and connectivity in the region as well as create a resilient economy as industries continue to diversify.

David Roberts, who also runs the North East Wales branch of advisory service The Alternative Board (TAB), said: "The energy in the room was fantastic and it was great to see so many familiar as well as new faces in attendance.

"It's quite daunting to jump back into networking after so much of our recent professional lives haven taken place online, so it was really important to make this event as laid back as possible, to help people get back into the swing of things."

The event saw decision makers across a range of sectors attend, including those in creative industries through to construction as well as the renewables sector.

Business leaders from across the region attended the IoD North Wales business lunch event at Bangor University's Management Centre.

Mike Caulfield managing director at Bangor-based Caulmert, an environmental, engineering and planning consultancy, was one of close to thirty directors and owners in attendance.

He said: "It was fantastic to link up with leaders from all corners of North Wales and to see the level of opportunity for business, which is a testament to just how much is going on across the region.

"It was refreshing to hear lots of discussion on topics outside of covid, with so many individuals across sectors showing a keen interest in environmental, social and governance issues as well as tackling the skills gap in the region."

IoD chief economist Kitty Usher, North Wales IoD chair David Roberts and Ambition North Wales portfolio director Alwen Williams.

The event was sponsored by Tony Fish, regional employer engagement director for North and Mid-Wales at the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Wales.

David added: "A massive thank you to our sponsor Tony, and our brilliant speakers for sharing their knowledge on the local and national business scene and to everyone who took the time out of their schedules to come along.

"The success of the event is a brilliant reflection of the IoD North Wales committee's hard work in organising the lunch, and will be further shown with more events coming up in the near future.

"If anyone is interested in getting involved in volunteering for IoD North Wales, please don't hesitate to contact me."

Joanna Swash, Group CEO of Moneypenny, with her Director of the Year 2021 for Corporate Responsibility award.

• The Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales has awarded Joanna Swash, Group CEO of Moneypenny in Wrexham, as Director of the Year 2021 for Corporate Responsibility, in recognition of her work in valuing the importance of the impact of business on society, the environment, and the economy.

Joanna said: "I am honoured to have been presented with this award and believe it is the responsibility of all businesses to do better business.

"This means not only genuinely caring for and valuing your own people but also everyone that is impacted by what you do as a business.

"This is something that is at the core of our culture and purpose at Moneypenny and we will continue to embed these values into all that we do, positively contributing to all our stakeholders; our people, our trusted partners, the wider society we are a part of, the environment in which we live and work and our local, and international economy."

• To become an IoD volunteer, contact David Roberts on droberts@thealternativeboard.co.uk or 07899 910 293.

For more information on the IoD in North Wales, visit www.iod.com/events-community/regions/wales