Cardiff Life Business | Edition 05

WE MAKE

THE DATEJUST

25-27 The Hayes, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 1GA

GUEST EDITOR

When I first came to Cardiff as an 18-year-old student many years ago, I had no idea just how much the city would shape me. What I did know, even then, was that I’d always come back as Cardiff had that pull a mix of energy, resilience and community that just felt like home.

Today, I’m proud that the business I’ve built with my co-founder, Frankie James, is rooted right here in the capital of Wales. From our base in Cardiff, Ideas has grown into a family of awards, festivals, research and networks that now reaches over 100,000 entrepreneurs across the UK. But however far it spreads, Cardiff is always at the heart of it.

The journey began twenty-seven years ago in Cardiff, when in the Western Mail offices on Havelock Street we launched the very first Fast Growth 50 list of Wales’s fastest-growing companies, a project that has since expanded across the UK where the 350 firms we celebrated had a collective turnover over £12 billion in 2023.

Today, UK Fast Growth Index sits alongside a stable of other initiatives I’m incredibly proud of including the

UK StartUp Awards which celebrate those first steps that founders take, and the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, once described by Steven Bartlett as “the Grammys of entrepreneurship.”

At every stage, whether recognising new start-ups, highgrowth scale-ups or established entrepreneurs, the mission has been the same namely to create a community where founders feel celebrated, supported and connected. Because that’s what really matters is the collaborations, friendships and opportunities that have come from bringing entrepreneurs together over the last thirty years.

It’s an honour to be guest editor of this edition of Cardiff Life Business because I get the opportunity to tell the stories of those amazing individuals who have appeared on one of our awards over the years and who are making a real difference to this city every day.

From interviewing one of my business heroes – the ever-brilliant Henry Engelhardt – to chronicling those incredible female entrepreneurs changing their sectors to profiling innovators in fintech, food, tourism, tech and transport, this magazine is another way of telling their stories and the impact of the capital city on their entrepreneurial journey.

Most importantly of all, it’s a celebration of the entrepreneurs who are shaping our economic future by creating jobs, driving innovation, and turning ideas into opportunities that transform communities. In celebrating these entrepreneurs, we are not only recognising their individual achievements but also underlining the central role they play in building a more prosperous nation for us all.

Dylan Jones-Evans

Spotlight NEWS

SEPHORA TO OPEN FIRST WELSH STORE AT ST DAVID’S/DEWI SANT

Global beauty giant Sephora is set to make its Welsh debut this autumn with a fl agship store at St David’s/Dewi Sant opening on the 23rd of October. As the brand’s fi rst store outside England, Cardiff will be at the forefront of Sephora’s UK expansion. Expect exclusive products, immersive beauty experiences, and the hugely popular MY SEPHORA rewards programme.

MATSUDAI RAMEN X BAB HAUS: BIRRIA RAMEN

Cardiff ’s cult ramen spot Matsudai is back with another creative collaboration. On 12 October , they’ll join forces with Bab Haus for a one-off Birria Ramen supper club , bringing rich Mexicaninspired fl avours to the bowls of ramen lovers. A limited run of ramen kits will also be available throughout October.

CARDIFF LIFE COFFEE CLUB LAUNCHES

Cardiff Life has launched its brand-new Coff ee Club , in collaboration with Da Coff ee at Tramshed Tech. A relaxed networking series for the city’s business community. Designed to bring professionals together over a morning brew, it’s a fresh space to share ideas, spark collaborations and connect with Cardiff ’s most dynamic voices.

PASTURE X DEPOT: BAVARIAN FEAST RETURNS

Following last year’s sell-out, Pasture Restaurant teams up once again with DEPOT to deliver a fi ery Bavarian Feast . On 11 October , diners can expect long tables, live oompah bands, and sharing platters brimming with hearty fl avours - an Oktoberfest with Cardiff fl air.

Sephora

B2B GROWTH EXPO 2025

Cardiff welcomes the B2B Growth Expo on 30 October at Cardiff City Stadium, a major networking and learning event for the region’s entrepreneurs, start-ups and business leaders. Expect workshops, innovation showcases, and a platform for businesses to share their growth journeys. b2bgrowthexpo.com/cardiff-expo/

HALLOWEEN ISLAND SAILS INTO CARDIFF BAY

From 25–31 October, Cardiff Bay becomes Halloween Island – a spooky new take on the city’s Halloween Festival. Families board a ghost ship at Mermaid Quay before stepping ashore to pumpkin villages, pirate tricks and playful ghouls at Alexandra Head.

By day, expect discos, games and pumpkin fun; by night, fire shows, owl encounters and magical performances. Every child leaves with a pumpkin. Tickets: cardiffhalloweenfestival.com

CARDIFF BAY ARENA DEVELOPMENT

Construction is progressing on the muchanticipated Cardiff Bay Arena , part of a £500m regeneration project. Due for completion in 2028, the 15,000-seat venue will include a new immersive arts theatre, retail and leisure units, and hotelscementing Cardiff Bay as a hub for culture and commerce.

Cardiff Halloween Festival

B2B Growth Expo Populous Architects

WHAT’S ON

Cardiff

4 October

THE KOOKS

Utilita Arena Cardiff

The indie rock favourites return with their feel-good anthems, from Naïve to She Moves in Her Own Way

5 October

OYSHO CARDIFF HALF MARATHON

City Centre

One of Europe’s largest half marathons, drawing tens of thousands of runners through Cardiff’s most iconic landmarks from Cardiff Castle to Cardiff Bay.

10 October

BEVERLY GLENNCOPELAND

Wales Millennium Centre

An intimate evening of soulful, experimental sound from this celebrated Canadian artist. Ents24

12 October

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE

DEPOT Cardiff

American metalcore icons light up DEPOT with a hard-hitting set

6 - 12 October

LLAIS 2025: THE SATURDAY ASSEMBLY

A night brimming with local and rising talent as part of the Llais 2025 series.

15 - 25 October

WAR HORSE

National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production runs through this period at the Wales Millennium Centre.

21 October

TOM ODELL

Utilita Arena Cardiff

The piano-driven singersongwriter performs hits and tracks from his new album.

25 October

HAIM (I QUIT TOUR)

Utilita Arena Cardiff

The Californian sister trio bring their infectious altpop-rock sound to Cardiff.

28 October - 8

November

SIX (THE MUSICAL)

A high-energy, empowering retelling of the six wives of Henry VIII - now showing at the Donald Gordon Theatre.

31 October

ABC: THE LEXICON OF LOVE

Utilita Arena Cardiff

A nostalgic night of 80s hits, performed with a full orchestra.

Tom Odell

Utilita Arena Cardiff

31 October

MALL GRAB (HALLOWEEN SPECIAL)

DEPOT Cardiff

Manchester-based DJ Mall Grab headlines Cardiff’s biggest Halloween rave.

2 November

SPARKS IN THE PARK FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Cardiff’s annual Guy Fawkes extravaganza with fireworks lighting up Cooper’s Field in Bute Park - an unforgettable community event.

5 November

SOPHIAWORKS

The biggest fireworks night in Cardiff returns with a bang at Sophia Gardens. Tickets now available

7 November

MATT RICHARDSON LIVE

Comedic evening featuring the much-loved stand-up comedian at the Wales Millennium Centre.

8 November

CARDIFF MORUN (1.5K, 5K, 10K & HALF MARATHON)

A community-focused, fun-spirited running event supporting Movember: great for all ages and abilities, with a 1.5k for kids. findarace.com (UK)

8 November

CARDIFF CROSS CHALLENGE

Elite cross-country competition at Llandaff Fields with World Athletics Gold Tour status.

The Kooks

MoRun

Cardiff Half Marathon

Utilita Arena Cardiff

Cardiff Half Marathon

SOME NIGHTS LINGER LONG AFTER THE LIGHTS GO DOWN

Attending the Child of Wales Awards at Swansea Arena was one of those evenings – a chance to step back from the city buzz and witness something extraordinary: the strength, kindness, and quiet bravery of Wales’ youngest heroes.

The red carpet glittered and the atmosphere was electric, but the glamour was simply the backdrop to a far greater story. Hosted by the ever-brilliant Gethin Jones - freshly appointed Chef de Mission for Team Wales at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, - the evening was a heartfelt celebration of remarkable young people shaping our communities.

There were stories that moved, inspired, and filled the room with Welsh pride. From the resilience of Cardiff’s own young carer, Zinzi Sibanda, to the phenomenal fundraising of Caerphilly’s Ioan Watts, every award shone a light on courage and compassion that will be remembered long after the applause faded.

These awards are more than trophies. They are a showcase of Wales’ heart and soul - a reminder of the extraordinary impact made by the next generation.

Child of Wales Awards

FRANKIE JAMES

BUILDING A BUSINESS COMMUNITY FROM CARDIFF TO THE WORLD

For Frankie James building a business community has always been about filling a gap she knew first-hand. “I’ve built businesses myself and know how lonely those early years can feel,” she reflects. As a result, her business, Ideas, was born out of the simple but powerful concept to create the spaces where entrepreneurs could be celebrated, supported, and connected.

Fast forward and that initial concept has grown into a community of more than 100,000 founders through events such Ideas Fest, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and the UK Fast Growth Index “I still pinch myself to be part of it,” she admits.

And at the heart of it all is a belief that community is more than just a database or a diary of events. For Frankie, it’s about creating spaces where founders feel they belong. “With Ideas, it’s about creating spaces where entrepreneurs help each other,

open doors, and share openly. That’s what makes it different to just running a network or awards night, it’s lived every day.”

That authenticity has set Ideas apart and while the awards and festivals grab headlines, the real value lies behind the scenes in the collaborations, friendships and deals sparked when entrepreneurs come together. “That’s why we’ve built more than awards and events as it’s about creating an environment where those sparks turn into real opportunities.”

Frankie’s pride in her roots runs deep. “I’m Cardiff born and bred, and I’m really proud of that,” she says. “It’s where my own journey started, and I’ve chosen to keep the business rooted here even as we’ve grown nationally. Not everything has to happen in London, and that’s why we’ve made regional activity a big part of what we do.”

What began to celebrate entrepreneurs has evolved into a suite of major platforms and a few weeks ago Ideas FestIdeas Fest

sometimes called the “Glastonbury for business”, demonstrated why it has quickly become a mustattend event with 4,000 founders, investors and influencers coming together in a field in Hertfordshire.

Along the way, she’s built what she calls a “little black book” of brands and entrepreneurs who have become friends of the community. “The bit I’m proudest of is that it feels like it belongs to its members, not just us.” In fact, scaling a community inevitably brings challenges and

for Frankie, the hardest part has been staying personal. “I never want someone to feel like just another number, so we’ve worked hard to make our events feel intimate and our community welcoming even as we’ve grown.” Listening carefully and constantly evolving, she says, has been key to keeping the balance.

Looking ahead, Frankie believes communities like Ideas will only become more important. “In an AI-driven world, human trust and connection become

even more valuable. Business communities will adapt digitally, but the heart of them which is people supporting people won’t change.”

That’s why she’s committed to ensuring Ideas continues to evolve, from its Cardiff roots to its national stage. And now, with the organisation being approached to take its events international, she sees that as a sign of just how vital this movement has become. “It shows the importance of what we’re building,” she says, “and the appetite to celebrate and connect entrepreneurs goes far beyond the UK.”

From a personal vision shaped by her own entrepreneurial journey to a strong network of founders, Frankie James has shown that Cardiff can be the base for a movement withnational and potentially global impact. And with Ideas continuing to grow, the story of this community for entrepreneurs is only just beginning.

Ideas Fest

WALES STARTUP AWARDS

Meet the Winners

The Wales StartUp Awards celebrate the nation’s most exciting new businesses, highlighting those founders who are driving innovation, creating jobs, and reshaping the Welsh economy.

This year’s Cardiff -based winners span sectors from health to fi ntech, food to green transport proving that Wales’s start-up scene is thriving with creativity, ambition and impact.

CHAIR FREELANCE

Chair Freelance is redefi ning the hair and beauty sector by taking creativity beyond the salon. Building on the success of Wales’s fi rst gender-neutral salon, it now works across education, TV and fi lm, social media and brand partnerships, styling major productions fi lmed in South Wales.

DAROGAN

Darogan is tackling Wales’s graduate brain drain by linking employers with top young talent and encouraging the “boomerang generation” to return. Through its job board, database and events, it helps businesses recruit and plan for future skills, strengthening the graduate pipeline and keeping more talent in Wales.

DRIVERLY COMPANY

Driverly is a fast-scaling insurtech that uses AI-powered geointelligence to capture driving behaviour via smartphones, layering this with real-time weather and road data to contextualise risk. This improves accuracy and makes insurance fairer for young and high-risk drivers and with clients in four countries, its easyto-adopt technology is positioning Cardiff as a hub for global insurtech innovation.

KIWIS BOWLS

Kiwis Bowls is bringing New Zealand-inspired health food to Wales with vibrant açai bowls, smoothies and salads aimed at busy, health-conscious consumers. Its bright, energetic stores refl ect the freshness of its menu, while strong branding has helped it stand out in a crowded market.

MÔR

Môr is a health start-up developing supplements and digital tools for women with ADHD, addressing how hormonal fl uctuations impact mood, energy and cognition. Launching its fi rst products in 2025, it is also building a digital support platform to help women track symptoms and get tailored guidance.

PHARMAFOOTPATH

PharmaFootpath is simplifying and accelerating international pharmaceutical trade, helping manufacturers and wholesalers connect more easily across borders. In its fi rst year, it has expanded into seven countries, reducing the time and cost of fi nding trading partners by combining deep sector knowledge with smart tech.

QUEST

Quest is rewriting recruitment by embedding itself into the companies it serves, developing strategies aligned with culture, values and growth plans. It prioritises diversity, equity and inclusion and focuses on longterm retention rather than transactions, helping start-ups and scale-ups build the teams they need to grow.

RISE LIFE

Rise Life is on a mission to make sport accessible to everyone by adapting any sport for any ability, boosting confi dence, wellbeing and quality of life. In under three years, it has grown to deliver inclusive sport to more than 1,000 people a month, from toddlers to centenarians, transforming lives through participation.

ROMODELS

Supporting up to 10,000 learners this year, Romodels helps primary school children discover, experience and believe in diverse career paths. Its bilingual platform introduces pupils to real-life role models and immersive learning, aiming to raise aspirations early, especially in disadvantaged areas.

TALENT TENT

Talent Tent helps start-ups, SMEs and large corporates recruit and retain the people they need to grow. It off ers tailored HR expertise and recruitment services, focusing on cultural fi t and longterm value. By proving that agile start-ups can deliver quality at scale, it is showing how Welsh fi rms can compete nationally for top talent.

THE FULL EV

The Full EV is accelerating Wales’s shift to clean transport with fl exible EV charging solutions for consumers and businesses. From workplace charging to community hubs, it makes switching to electric practical and accessible. By tackling barriers to adoption, its putting Cardiff at the forefront of the green transport revolution.

Afternoon Tea at

TAILWIND

Powering Growth for Welsh Businesses

When Matthew Tossell, Angharad Neagle and Nigel Griffiths launched Tailwind, ttheir aim wasn’t to create another consultancy, but to help ambitious Welsh businesses scale with confidence.

Between them, the trio brought decades of growth experience. Nigel, a chartered accountant, had scaled and exited companies across several sectors. Matthew grew Hugh James five-fold as Managing Partner and built Involegal to a £30 million valuation. Angharad spent over 25 years in brand communications, including a decade as Chief Executive of Cardiff-based agency Freshwater.

They met on the Cardiff Capital Region Business Council and shared the same frustration

that Wales had no shortage of ambitious firms, but too many stalled as they tried to scale.

Tailwind was created to change that, combining boardlevel strategic leadership with hands-on support. Each engagement starts with Tailwind’s TRANSFORM Audit, which pinpoints barriers and opportunities across sales, operations, cashflow and strategy. From there, they work alongside founders to deliver the growth plan, building the infrastructure that de-risks the journey for both entrepreneurs and investors.

The barriers they see are consistent namely that founders are stretched as they shift from entrepreneurial drive to CEOlevel leadership, systems and

culture that can’t keep up with growth, and capital that isn’t deployed effectively. Tailwind’s model is designed to fix those pain points.

And their advice for entrepreneurs? Founders should ensure their leadership teams are united before chasing growth, and they must treat scaling as a discipline, not an experiment. Investing in systems and sales is crucial as growth without the right infrastructure is fragile.

Above all, they emphasise that entrepreneurs don’t need to go it alone and that by combining ambition with the clarity, structure and support that Tailwind can provide, there can be real change that can benefit businesses, their people and the wider Welsh economy.

Huw John

IDEAS FEST ROUND-UP

Earlier this month, Hertfordshire’s countryside played host to a little bit of magic with Ideas Fest - often dubbed the “Glastonbury for business”. With muddy fi elds, a touch of drizzle, and a buzzing line-up of music, food, and big ideas, it more than lived up to the name.

The festival drew some serious heavyweights, including entrepreneur Simon Squibb, who brought his now-famous “Doorbell of Dreams” to a dedicated space known as Dreamland. Attendees were invited to ring the bell, share their boldest ambitions, and watch as the community rallied to help make them happen, a wonderfully simple idea with extraordinary results.

But the real showstopper came courtesy of advertising legend Rory Sutherland. With his trademark wit and contrarian take on creativity, he reminded the crowd why bold ideas - not beige ones, are the ones that change the world. “Playing it safe might keep you out of trouble,” he told the packed tent, “but it won’t get you noticed.”

Even the rain couldn’t dampen the atmosphere. Fireside chats, impromptu networking, and late-night sets under twinkling fairy lights kept the energy sky-high. For many, it was proof that a business festival can be just as fun as any music weekender, with conversations and connections that linger far longer than the mud on your boots.

Celebrating FiveYearsof SmallBusiness

Hi,I’mLouise–amumoftwolivelyboysandthefounderof YNYSAROMA,yournewfavouritego-tofornaturalhome fragranceandaromatherapy.

Irunmysmallbusinessfromourfamilyhome,bythebeautiful coastonBarryIsland.

MyYNYSAROMAjourneybeganbackin2020,whenlifeturned upsidedown.I’vealwayslovedhelpingpeoplefeelnurtured throughmyworkasaholisticspatherapist,sowhenmyhands weretied(quiteliterally–I“wasn’tallowed”totouchanyone),I turnedtoaromatherapyasanalternativewayofconnectingwith peopleandcreatingthatsametransformativeexperiencefor them.

Ibeganblendingpureessentialoilstocraftuniquearomasthat wouldsupportemotionalwellbeingandeverydayrituals.Each candleIcreatedhadtohaveapurpose–tosoothe,touplift,and totransformtheatmosphereofahome.Lifesincethenhasbeena beautifuljuggle.

Wemadethedecisiontohomeschooloureldestson,welcomedanewbabyintothefamily,andIeventuallyleftthe spatofocusfullyonbeingathomewithmyboys.Amidstthechaosoffamilylife,YNYSAROMAhasbecomemycalm–myspacetocreate,toslowdown,andtosharesomethingmeaningful.

"IusedtobuyNeom, butnowIprefer yours.”

- customer

Withasmall,butsteadilygrowingloyalfollowingwho keepcomingbackformore,mycustomersarenow ditchingthebigbrandsinfavourofmine.Thatskindof crazy!Acustomerrecentlytoldme,“IusedtobuyNeom, butnowIpreferyours.”Hearingcommentslikethatfeels surreal,but�illsmewithsomuchpride–notbecauseI wanttocompete,butbecauseitshowsmethatthequality andloveIpourintoeveryproducttrulyshows.

Now,�iveyearsonfromnervouslypressing“publish”on mywebsiteforthe�irsttime,I'mreallyexcitedabout wheremyjourneywilltakemenext.

Sowhetheryou’relookingtounwind,reset,brightenyour mood,orcreateamoremindfulhome,I’dloveforyouto discovertheworldofYNYSAROMA.

HEALTH & HER

PUTTING WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRE STAGE

When Kate Bache and Gervase Fay met at Reckitt Benckiser, they were forging successful corporate careers. Kate managing global FMCG brands and Fay shaping categories for Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Superdrug and yet both felt something was missing.

Kate’s first start-up, Kind Organics, revealed how confused and unsupported many women felt about their health. “What struck us most was that there were always more questions than answers,” recalls Fay. “Information was scattered and often conflicting, which only added to the frustration.”

That insight led them to launch Health & Her in 2019, a platform

to educate, empower and support women through menopause and beyond. “It felt like an opportunity to do something meaningful,” says Kate. “Women deserve better support, more clarity and accessible answers.”

Their timing was prescient and menopause, once whispered about, is now openly discussed across social media, workplaces and the media “Back in 2019, many celebrities treated menopause almost like a dirty word,” Fay says. “Now those same voices are sharing their stories, and Health & Her has been part of that movement.”

Although still a relatively young brand, it is now expanding its reach and in the past 18 months, the company launched in over 6,000 CVS stores across the United States.

They both believe female entrepreneurs have a powerful advantage namely the ability to listen, share and collaborate. “Building strong networks you can call on is invaluable it’s our secret weapon,” Kate says. “And above all, listen to your customers. They’ll tell you when you’ve got it right and the day you see someone choose your brand off a shelf, you know you’ve nailed it.”

For Health & Her, that moment is already happening in Cardiff, across the UK, and now in the United States. And for millions of women, it means greater clarity, support and confidence in their health.

Health & Her

Health & Her

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MARK SWEENY

BUILDING WALES’S NEXT GENERATION OF TECH WITH DE NOVO

De Novo Solutions is fast becoming one of Wales’s standout tech success stories, driven by founder Mark Sweeny’s mission to reinvent how organisations use cloud technology.

Launched in 2019, this innovative business specialises in what it calls “Industry Cloud Solutions”. This takes generic cloud platforms and tailors them to the specific needs of sectors such as policing and secondary education, areas often overlooked by digital innovation.

Mark saw a clear opportunity and while many organisations were investing in cloud systems, they were struggling to unlock value from them. De Novo’s proposition combines deep industry expertise with a

service model called Value as a Service™, which focuses on maximising return on investment and measuring impact.

This approach has delivered rapid growth, winning back former clients and attracting new ones frustrated with underperforming platforms. “There weren’t enough partners with delivery excellence,” he explains. “Oracle wanted us back, our old customers wanted us back, and market conditions aligned perfectly.”

Being based in Wales has also given de Novo an edge and rather than getting lost among thousands of tech firms in London, the company has carved out a distinct space and built strong local roots. It has invested

in young talent, creating ten new apprentices and actively promotes the Cardiff Capital region as a place to do business. “Wales has been good to de Novo, so we do everything we can to give back,” says Mark.

His advice for Welsh entrepreneurs is pragmatic. “Always start with the fundamentals; namely, what problem are you solving, and why? Test the market constantly. Cash is king, so think about how quickly you can get to positive cashflow. Surround yourself with people who are better than you and build long-term relationships with customers. Stay in touch even when they’re not buying, because they’ll remember you when they’re ready.”

@ Joel Chant

SEVENTY YEARS AS WALES’S CAPITAL—AND OUR ARCADES TELL THE TALE

By Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director, FOR Cardi

This year we celebrate a landmark: 70 years since Cardi was designated the capital of Wales in 1955. Along the way, our city has fl ourished, becoming a beacon of culture, sport and innovation; across the arcades, about 80% of shops are owned by local, independent traders - making each visit more than a shopping trip, but a walk through Cardi ’s living history.

Our City of Arcades 2025 campaign brings that story to life over 70 days with fi ve themed fortnights of celebration. We kicked o in style with a one-nightonly Foodie Night Market in Cardi Market, where guests sampled cuisines from local independents, browsed curated stalls, and danced to a live DJ under the historic roof. It was a vibrant start that drew in almost 3,000 attendees and set the tone for the weeks to follow.

With the lively Foodie Fortnight and curious Discovery Fortnight already behind us, our historic city centre arcades have glowed with interest, community and cuisine under their beautiful glass-roofed canopies; a legacy design that bathes our Victorian arcades in daylight while protecting shoppers from the elements.

Alongside these heritage spaces, the modern St David’s Dewi Sant Shopping Centre has provided a di erent dimension, bringing together global brands and their annual ‘shopper sweep’ event that welcomes new students to the city, and complements the independent character of the arcades.

As October unfolds, our City of Arcades campaign moves to arts, music and history; apt as Cardi ’s becoming a capital city is an evolution nestled in these stories. Our arcades themselves are like time capsules, and yet

the oldest, Royal Arcade, opened in 1858, is still buzzing with independent shops and character.

Looking ahead to 29th October, we’re thrilled to host the Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail—an immersive walk through the decades since 1955. Families will journey through themed zones, from the 1950s moment when Cardi became capital, to the music-fuelled 1990s, right up to today’s thriving independents and sustainable shopping. Expect performers, photo opportunities, and an interactive trail across time and the arcades space that promises to bring the city’s story to life.

To explore the trail, and other events and special o ers for City of Arcades 2025, visit www.thecityofarcades.com —and join us in celebrating Cardi ’s past, present, and the stories still being written.

Trefnwch Gawr

o Barti Nadolig

yn Amgueddfa

Genedlaethol

Caerdydd

Host a Mammoth Christmas Party at National Museum Cardiff

Cewch ginio yng nghwmni mamoth newydd Caerdydd yn y Neuadd Fawr, neu mwynhewch ddiod a lluniaeth chwaethus ymhlith campweithiau gan Monet, Van Gogh, a Cézanne.

Archebwch nawr llogi@amgueddfacymru.ac.uk

Dine beneath Cardiff’s newest resident mammoth in the Grand Hall, or enjoy a stylish drinks reception among masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne.

Book now venuehire@museumwales.ac.uk

THE BUSINESS OF CONFIDENCE

A Cardiff Success Story in Aesthetic Excellence

In Cardiff’s chic Cyncoed area, Skin and Face Clinics unveiled its stunning new premises on Fidlas Road this September.

The clinic offers high-end elegance blended with clinical precision. Think welcoming reception with complimentary refreshments and spacious treatment rooms that blend artistic touches with a pristine, clinical environment, a perfect balance of luxury and professionalism. The new space is the vision of owner and Clinical Director Annie Cartwright Welcoming a host of invited guests, including loyal clients and well-known faces, Annie said:

“I am delighted to celebrate the realisation of this vision. It’s been a long process, none of which would have been possible without the support of my incredible team and clients.”

HOW DID SKIN AND FACE CLINICS BEGIN?

Annie Cartwright: “This is my third career!” she laughs. A nurse since the 1980s, Annie worked in the NHS, even returning for a year during the pandemic. She also gained a wealth of experience within the pharmaceutical and medical education sectors. “In 2003 I discovered my perfect job! Medical aesthetics

Skin and Face Clinics

brought together everything I love: science, hands-on clinical work, medicine, art and psychology. There’s a cliché that if you’re lucky enough to do what you love, you never work another day, and I really feel that about medical aesthetics and wellness.”

With 22 years of experience, Annie’s credentials stand out: An Advanced Nurse Practitioner with a Masters from Cardiff University (2011), her clinical skills are sought after, delivering training to other healthcare professionals for two leading companies in the sector, fi rmly putting this female-led Welsh business on the map.

WHAT SETS YOUR CLINIC APART?

Annie: “We prioritise delivering safe, evidencebased treatments tailored to the individual. We treat a range of conditions from sun damage and problem skin through to signs of aging and always focused on achieving natural looking results. I’d rather say no than deliver something unsuitable.” Her ethical

approach draws a discerning clientele, including media professionals and TV makeup artists. “Our treatments enhance how people look and feel, subtly and appropriately,” she adds.

The clinic’s reputation for excellence is no accident. Annie’s holistic philosophy ensures clients feel heard. “Everyone has a story”, she says. “We listen and advise, never pressure.” This client-fi rst ethos dispels stereotypes about aesthetics, emphasising empowerment, not caricature.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR SKIN AND FACE CLINICS?

Annie: “As well as enhancing our current treatments, this new space provides the opportunity to expand our wellness off erings, keeping people at the heart of what we do.” From bespoke skin treatments to confi dence-boosting consultations, Skin and Face Clinics is a haven for those seeking subtle transformation.

Ready to elevate your skin game?

For consultations or appointments call 029 20567096

www.skinandfaceclinics.com

Instagram @skinandfaceclinics

Facebook @skinandfaceclinic

Skin and Face Clinics

Skin and Face Clinics

Q&A WITH HENRY ENGELHARDT

CO-FOUNDER OF ADMIRAL

Henry Engelhardt is best known as the co-founder and long-time CEO of Admiral Group, the Cardiff-headquartered financial services company that grew from a small start-up in the early 1990s into one of Wales’s first FTSE 100 firms. Under his leadership, Admiral became a household name, employing thousands and pioneering innovative approaches to insurance.

Born in Chicago, Henry moved to the UK in the 1980s and built his career around creating businesses that combined strong customer service with a distinctive culture of fun, trust and innovation. At Admiral, he placed people at the heart of the business, a philosophy that underpinned the company’s growth and global expansion.

Since stepping down as CEO, he has focused on sharing the lessons of his career with a new generation of leaders. His book “Be a Better Boss” distils decades of experience into practical insights on management and leadership, offering guidance for anyone looking to inspire teams and grow businesses with purpose.

Here Henry answers some questions about what his lessons are to be a better leader.

The first version of your book was written just for Admiral managers. How did it become Be a Better Boss

The first iteration, called Think, Lead, Succeed , was written for Admiral managers. It was heavy on Admiral history and culture. But people who read it told me that all managers could benefit from a book like this so I re-wrote it, added in a lot of things I’d forgotten first time around, made it less Admiral-centric and, voilà, here it is!

What do you think makes a great boss, and how has your own style evolved?

I’ve boiled it down to three things. A great leader makes great decisions, is great with people, and is creative or promotes an environment of creativity and innovation. If you can do those three things really well, you stand a good chance of being a great leader or manager.

My own style constantly evolved.

Early on, my managers called me a Jack Russell terrier because I was always nipping at their heels! Over time, I learned to delegate more. I never wanted to be the cork in the bottle. If there’s a backlog waiting for CEO approval, that’s a sign it’s time to delegate. As a start-up, we needed management. As we matured, we needed leadership and my role had to evolve with the business.

Looking back, what were the key lessons you learned while building Admiral? I learned the amazing things people can do when you give

Admiral Group

How important has Cardiff and Wales been to your business journey?

Admiral is Welsh and we’re proud of it. In truth, it was sometimes difficult to recruit top talent to South Wales, but once we did, they rarely left. And the people we recruited locally were fantastic - hard-working, innovative, caring and fun.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs in Cardiff who are just starting out? Everything takes twice as long as planned and costs twice as much. Be well capitalised. If you know you’ll need to raise money in two years, start 20 months ahead. The worst time to raise money is when you desperately need it.

You even tried TikTok to promote Be a Better Boss . What was that like?

them the right tools and the proper motivation. Many times, I was convinced someone couldn’t do the job right up until the moment they did it!

What mistakes do you think leaders most often make?

Ego - many leaders think they’re invincible, or that the sun revolves around them. It doesn’t. It revolves first around your customers and second around the people taking care of those customers. You can’t hit your targets alone and you have to take care of the people who will hit them for you.

Another mistake is thinking you can act in an office in ways you never would elsewhere, like yelling at people. That just boggles my mind and no one builds a successful business by themselves. It’s not all about you.

Admiral was often praised for its innovative culture. How much of that comes down to leadership style? The key to innovation is trust. People won’t take the risk to be creative if they don’t feel safe. Leaders must make it clear that ideas are welcome, even the wacky ones.

It was fun! I stopped because I ran out of time to make the videos, but it reached such a diverse audience around the globe. One person told me his 13-year-old son watched my TikToks and now wants to go into management!

If readers take just one lesson from Be a Better Boss , what should it be?

That being a great leader or manager is damn difficult. There’s no formula for success if there was, we’d all follow it. It takes time, energy, thought and constant learning. Everyone’s journey is unique.

For Lee Miller, founder of Bootleggers, hospitality has been a lifelong journey. He started as a trainee chef before, at just 18, being whisked off to Kansas City by a cowboy restaurateur from Colorado. “It was mental”, he laughs but that taste of adventure set him on a path from kitchens to bars, and eventually to building one of Cardiff’s most recognisable nightlife brands.

Being headhunted to return to the UK, Lee rose through the ranks quickly. From assistant manager at HaHa in Guildford to later managing London’s Sugar Reef, one of the city’s most exclusive celebrity nightclubs, he got a crash course in high-pressure hospitality. After a stint in New York, where he turned an Irish bar in Manhattan into a bar playing music from the 1920s to the 1960s, the idea of creating something similar at home with his brother took hold.

The first UK Bootleggers opened in Bristol, but Lee was determined Wales should have its own and in 2016, they took a chance on Womanby Street in Cardiff. “People told us it would never work”, he recalls. “We were determined to prove them wrong.”

Eight years on, Bootleggers Cardiff is a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife, part of a portfolio now spanning Exeter, Leeds, Brighton, Bath, Richmond and Manchester.

Bootlegger

LEE MILLER THE

BOOTLEGGERS STORY

Growing up without a father, Lee remembers his mum dancing in the kitchen to swing, jazz and blues, the soundtrack that still defines his bars. “I wanted Bootleggers to feel joyful, about energy and good vibes”, he explains. But above all, it’s about service and inspired by New York’s hospitality culture, he instilled a philosophy that every customer should be treated like a king or queen. Staff are trained to greet guests within 30 seconds, creating a culture of care that he believes sets Bootleggers apart.

Bootlegger

Cardiff’s nightlife has seen many venues come and go, but Bootleggers has endured thanks to its unique mix of live music, cocktails and customer care. “We’re Welsh-owned, part of the community, and proud of it”, Lee says. “That’s why people trust us and keep coming back. The transformation of Womanby Street into a cultural hotspot has mirrored Bootleggers’ own journey. “That area has changed dramatically since we started, but we’ve stayed true to our values and that durability counts.”

Running independent bars is never easy especially post-Covid and to adapt, Bootleggers has invested in training and launched new offers such as brunch, private hire packages and event programming. “Customers are more deliberate now they plan nights out. You’ve got to give them a reason to choose you.”

For Lee, independents remain the lifeblood of Cardiff. “Chains don’t deliver the same heart. Independents create community and transform unused spaces into places people love.” He’s excited by Cardiff’s growing reputation as a top UK night out, with major events and fresh ideas like the night-time arcade boosting the city’s appeal. “But the differentiator will always be service. Look after people properly, and they’ll come back.”

Expansion is very much on the agenda - Manchester is the latest addition, with more northern cities and even Swansea under consideration. The dream, Lee admits, would be to take Bootleggers back to London and one day, New York. “The concept works anywhere if you’ve got the team to deliver it.” Lee’s advice to aspiring hospitality founders is rooted in experience. “Bars aren’t toys but a tough business. Do your research, know your numbers, and understand how many venues open and close.” But he also stresses the importance of community: “Be like the ‘Cheers’ bar where everyone knows your name. Give back to your area and people will give back to you.”

For Lee Miller, Bootleggers is more than a brand, it’s a philosophy of music, service and a reminder that in Cardiff, great nights out are built on more than just cocktails.

YOUR EVENT... ILLUSTRATED!

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For Tom Simmons, food has always been more than a career, it’s a passion. After twenty years in fine dining, including his own London restaurant, he decided to move back to Wales to set up a new business in Cardiff.

However, just weeks before the first lockdown he launched Thomas in Pontcanna and when Covid hit, he and his team adapted quickly with creative takeaways from steak nights to Sunday roasts. That agility not only kept the restaurant afloat but sparked a new idea.

Tom had noticed a gap in Cardiff’s suburbs and there was nowhere combining high-quality baked goods with the service and standards of a top restaurant. That concept became Ground, which has rapidly grown to five sites across South Wales with more planned.

Ground is part bakery, part café, part brunch spot and Tom credits its success to blending craft with hospitality. “Everything is made from scratch, and we bring restaurant-level

TOM SIMMONS

FROM FINE DINING TO EVERYDAY EXCELLENCE WITH GROUND

standards to everyday food”, he explains. Inspired partly by London’s café culture, he wanted something rooted in Cardiff’s neighbourhoods. The model has struck a chord, becoming a go-to for coffee, brunch and baked goods.

Scaling hasn’t been easy and staffing was a major challenge

post-Covid with many experienced hospitality workers leaving the industry. Funding also required creativity and the first sites were backed by a small circle of investors including Welsh rugby star George North. As a result, the business has grown organically without giving away large equity stakes.

Cardiff’s thriving independent food scene has given Ground the perfect launchpad and Tom believes it can become Wales’s first homegrown household-name café brand.

For others looking to follow his path, his advice is simple: “Do something really well, charge fairly, and build a product people love. If you get that right, everything else follows.”

Ground

Nick Collins is a chef through and through having trained in top UK kitchens, represented his country at the Culinary Olympics and even appeared on MasterChef: The Professionals.

But in 2015, frustrated by what he saw as “boring, beige catering,” he launched Cleverchefs to prove that food could be fresh, creative and cooked with pride whether for hundreds of schoolchildren or guests at a luxury wedding.

What started as a one-chef operation has grown into a multi-brand group turning over almost £20 million a year. As a result, Cleverchefs is now a major force in education catering, its Epic brand delivers high-profile weddings and events across the UK, and the newest addition, Square + Fair, is winning fans in Cardiff’s Royal Arcade with giant focaccia sandwiches and craft coffee.

At the heart of everything is his belief that food should never be an afterthought. “We are chef-led at every level”, he says, with menus built around

NICK COLLINS

COOKING UP A FOOD REVOLUTION WITH CLEVERCHEFS

flavour and creativity, not spreadsheets, and everything cooked from scratch using fresh, local Welsh produce. Scaling that ethos across more than 120 schools and multiple venues has been a challenge, but one met through strong systems, obsessive training, and hiring the right people.

For other Cardiff entrepreneurs looking to succeed in food, drink or hospitality, Nick has clear advice “Be Bold. Don’t play it safe or copy what already exists. Find your own voice. Build a strong team, because you can’t grow without people you trust. Always put the product first and never compromise on quality.”

The Cleverchefs Group may now operate nationally, but its spirit is still firmly Welsh. More importantly, Nick Collins’s mission of making food exciting, fresh, and cooked with pride has never changed and he won’t stop until that becomes the new normal.

Cleverchefs

JAMES SHAPLAND

BREWING COMMUNITY WITH COFFI LAB

Coffi Lab

For James Shapland, coffee has always been more than a drink. It’s a community, a craft, and a way of life. He knows this better than most, having grown Coffee #1 into a hugely successful chain before selling it to Brains in 2011.

After stepping away and travelling around the world, he thought his coffee days were behind him, but the pull was too strong. Back home in Pontcanna, he spotted a gap: “I couldn’t find a quality coffee shop that operated seven days a week, that was beautifully presented and dog-friendly.” And that middle ground became Coffi Lab.

From the start, Coffi Lab has been about more than just coffee. “Bringing people together and enhancing the local community is very important to us”, James says. With over 100 jobs already created and its own roastery and bakery, Coffi Lab continues to grow. While also staying rooted inCardiff’s leafy neighbourhoods, it provides the perfect backdrop for the brand, named after his beloved dog Dylan.

Having scaled one coffee brand, James knows the pitfalls of overreach and whilst the next five years will bring more growth, it won’t be at any cost. “We have ambitious plans to expand, but we won’t grow for the sake of it.

With each new Lab, we retain our integrity and remain true to Coffi Lab’s values.” Online coffee sales are also a new step with orders coming in from across the UK.

His message for others in hospitality is candid. “It’s not for the faint-hearted. It takes huge dedication, capital and resilience to make it work but when you walk into a shop and everything feels right, it’s incredible.”

For James Shapland, the reward is clear. Coffee is back at the centre of his life, this time with a deeper purpose, and Cardiff at the heart of it all.

Coffi Lab

Coffi Lab

SMALL CLASSES. ALL

Be the best you can be SMALL CLASSES.

ooking than cellence inclusive community W th ild encouraged re, isn’t rengths, udent ocially,

Looking for more than just grades? Kings Monkton is Cardiff’s best-kept secret where academic excellence meets a welcoming, inclusive community. With small classes and dedicated teachers, every child is supported and encouraged to thrive. Here, education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We nurture strengths, celebrate individuality, and help every student reach their full potential academically, socially, and personally.

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HAT ESTYN SAYS ABOUT US AT SAAYS US

ighly teaching, arning ensure r s pupil i s th ke nfident,

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"Teachers model curiosity and ambition, are expert at developing effective learning habits, and work hard to empower pupils to be the very best that they can be."

"Throughout Kings Monkton School, learning takes place within a respectful, calm, purposeful environment where reflection and diversity of thought is encouraged "

Teachers r t r pert effe f ctive learning d st hroughout Kings ace purp r oseful vironment where CAN

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A great opportunity for parents to meet our teachers, connect with other prospective families, and ask any questions about life at Kings Monkton. Discover more about our supportive community and what makes our school unique. Registration now open for September 2026

Our Year 6 Transition Scholarships give pupils the opportunity to sit for a scholarship award as they prepare for Year 7. Successful candidates can earn a discount on school fees and gain recognition for their achievements.

an more ude s a d p ospec e a e a out scover udent achieve bitions.

Our Sixth Form Open Day offers the chance to meet subject teachers, explore our wide range of courses, and talk with current students and prospective families about life in the Sixth Form. Discover how we support every student to achieve their ambitions.

NICK SAUNDERS

Taking Cardiff Live Music to the Next Level

When Nick Saunders launched DEPOT in 2014, he was still a student in Cardiff. Armed with a threemonth licence for a disused 15,000 sq ft warehouse on Dumballs Road, he set out to test an idea for a pop-up street food and events venue. Within weeks, it was clear he was onto something special.

“The licence kept getting extended, the word spread, and DEPOT became home to everything from food festivals to immersive nights and our own Bingo Lingo brand,” he recalls. As the audience grew, so did the ambition and by 2019, the business had moved to Williams Way, before expanding again in 2023 to a 30,000 sq ft site on Curran Road. That growth has paved the way for his boldest move yet: DEPOT Live. “Cardiff deserved world-class, city-centre live music experiences and after years of building community around the warehouse, the next step was to take that energy outdoors.”

DEPOT Live’s impact has been felt most powerfully at Cardiff Castle, where the company’s summer series has brought huge international artists to the heart of the city. “The Castle gives you history and skyline in the middle of town. Fans can step off a bus and be at a bucket-list show within minutes,” he says. “It’s visually stunning, brilliantly located, and now trusted by touring artists.”

Blackweir Fields, the latest addition to Cardiff’s music map, has taken things up another level. With capacity for 35,000, it is the largest greenfield site in Wales, yet still within walking distance of the city centre. “Visitors can enjoy the city’s food and drink offering before strolling through the leafy trail up to the site,” he explains. “Its capacity means we can now attract truly global artists.”

Delivering shows of that scale is no small feat. “Any large-scale outdoor run is a logistics marathon including build schedules, noise management,

GD Images

For Nick, the story is as much about place as it is about music. “We’re a Cardiff company helping to tell Cardiff’s story on a big stage,” he says, and the economic and cultural ripple effects are significant. Footfall, spending and the buzz in the city centre during DEPOT Live reinforces Cardiff’s emerging “Music City” identity.

Some shows stand out for him more than others such as FOALS’ sell-out return to Cardiff Castle after the pandemic, which marked a breakthrough moment. “ “We had to wait more than two years from announcement to rescheduled date, so it felt even more special,” he remembers. Hosting Sir Tom Jones for multiple Castle shows has been another career highlight. “He’s a Welsh icon, and we’re truly privileged to work with him.” But 2024 brought a new high point. “This year, hosting Stevie Wonder at Blackweir was unforgettable,” he says. “It was a beautiful evening in every sense.”

With the 16,500-capacity Atlantic Wharf indoor arena on the horizon, Nick believes the city’s momentum is only just beginning. “Cardiff’s ‘Music City’ approach is bearing fruit and the new arena will complement the Castle and Blackweir, attract more global tours, and strengthen the grassroots scene too.”

transport, weather plans and it only works if you bring people with you,” Saunders says. Community consultation and regulator relationships have been key. “Getting licensing right is non-negotiable, but years of operating venues and working hand-inhand with regulators has been a huge help when we step up in scale.”

For those looking to build a career in events, his advice is practical. “Start small and prove the model, then learn fast. Build partnerships with local authorities and your neighbours. Invest early in operations, safety and guest experience. And above all, be patient, DEPOT grew over a decade, move by move, by listening to audiences and backing the city.”

From a three-month warehouse pop-up to global stars lighting up Blackweir, Nick Saunders has helped redefine Cardiff as a live music capital. And if his track record is anything to go by, the best is still to come.

GD Images

GD Images

SIM M LAM

WCS AGENCY

From its Cardiff roots, WCS Agency has quickly become one of the region’s most dynamic creative forces, partnering with brands across Wales and beyond. Known for its bold campaigns and a people-fi rst approach, the agency has built a reputation for delivering work that resonates, whether that’s elevating household names or giving local businesses a platform to shine.

Over the past year, WCS has expanded its services, strengthening its presence in social media management, PR and digital campaigns, with collaborations spanning leading hospitality names, lifestyle brands and cultural institutions.

This growth has been underpinned by the appointment of a senior management team and the expansion into a 20-strong organisation. What sets the agency apart is its commitment to combining big-agency thinking with local knowledge and a personable touch. As a result, WCS has seen remarkable momentum in both its client base and team.

With new ventures on the horizon, WCS is cementing its role as a hub for creativity, strategy and community – fi rmly putting South Wales on the map!

Morgan James Media Ltd

RICHARD THEO

FINTECH WITH PURPOSE

Entrepreneurship has defined Richard Theo’s career from the outset and after completing a degree and PhD in computing at Cardiff University, he went straight into business and has never worked for anyone else. Now on his seventh venture, he is building Zero, a sustainable alternative to traditional banks.

Richard moved into fintech seventeen years ago, spotting software’s potential to disrupt financial services. He launched an online health insurance comparison platform, then ActiveQuote and Wealthify, while also helping to establish Fintech Wales to support the next generation of founders.

He thrives on the start-up buzz. “My enjoyment comes from the early phase,” he explains. “That’s when you can innovate and invent at pace. Once things slow down into committees and politics, it doesn’t suit me.” That mindset shaped his decision to hand Wealthify on when it was sustainable but lacked funding to scale.

Zero, he says, pulls together everything he has learned about fintech, partnerships, regulation, consumer behaviour and reflects a change in outlook. “I recognised I’m reaching the later stages of my career and values now count more than just wealth creation. Zero is the perfect tonic for that. It’s about banking services that put people and planet first.”

While he’s faced many challenges in fintech, his strongest criticism is for Wales’s funding landscape. “There’s a huge disadvantage being a tech start-up in Wales and state-backed funders are the most risk-averse in the industry as they pick safe, lowgrowth businesses instead of backing those with potential to scale.”

Despite this, Richard Theo has been central to Cardiff’s fintech scene and believes its future lies in aligning innovation with society’s biggest needs. His advice to founders is simple: “Dream big, find a great co-founder, and start once you truly understand the industry you want to disrupt.”

Money 2020

Q&A WITH GEOFF TOMLINSON

DRIVING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AT FSEW

For those who don’t know you, can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to launch Freight Systems Express Wales?

I was born in Margate and left school at 15 without any GCSEs. After a short stint in the Royal Navy, I found a job as a filing clerk in an international freight company near Ramsgate. I worked my way up through operations, and by 18 I was out on the road as a sales rep covering the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. It was an incredible educationlearning about different cultures, languages and business styles while most of my mates were still in college.

In 1994 the company decided to expand into Wales, so I relocated to Bridgend and within five years I was running the site as General Manager. But when the business was sold to a large shipping firm, they decided to shut the Welsh operation. I was offered a job in London but turned it down. Two of my German customers suggested starting a freight forwarding

business together in Cardiff, so I remortgaged my house in Roath, risked everything, and in 2000 Freight Systems Express (Wales) was born. Within nine months I’d bought out my partners, and I’ve been steering it ever since.

What was your vision for FSEW when you first started? Honestly, at the beginning my vision was survival. I didn’t really know what I was doing and I just matched shippers and suppliers together, acting as a freight middleman. Over time, I realised I wanted to be different to other forwarders. Twenty years ago, most didn’t run their own trucks. I decided we would and that opened doors with larger clients who wanted a more integrated service.

What makes FSEW stand out today in a crowded logistics market?

We do much more in-house than most. We run our own trucks, customs clearance and even have contract rail space for containers. Our team is multilingual, and we’ve got staff who speak Chinese, Ukrainian, Polish, Hindi, Turkish, Welsh

and English. And crucially, we’re market leaders in decarbonisation of freight and in emissions reporting and that focus on sustainability is setting us apart.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

The early years were tough. My first business partners just wanted to take money out of the business, so I had to buy them out. Then in 2008, during the credit crunch, I was advised to pre-pack FSEW. I was in debt, suffered a breakdown, and had to move back in with my parents. But I refused to walk away. I persuaded my creditors to stick with me, cut

costs to the bone and rebuilt both the business and my life. It took three to four years, but we traded out of it and came back stronger.

How important has Cardiff been to your story?

Cardiff has been a great base for FSEW. It’s connected to the rest of the UK and Europe, it’s got a skilled workforce, and it’s a city that’s growing in ambition. From our headquarters here, we’ve built an international business that still feels rooted in its community.

FSEW has been a pioneer in sustainable logistics. How do you see green transport shaping the industry?

Sustainability will define the future of freight and customers increasingly want carbon-neutral options. Big names like Tesco are already demanding greener transport from their suppliers, shippers also have to report their emissions, and freight is one of the hardest parts to manage.

That’s why we’ve launched FSEW GreenFlow which is a product that allows any customer, moving goods by sea, air, road or rail anywhere in the world, to ship net zero. It’s the first of its kind and I believe in future companies will be fined if they don’t adopt cleaner transport.

What are your ambitions for the business over the next five years?

We’ve just bought land on Lamby Way in Cardiff where we’re building Wales’s first E-Freight Hub which should be operational by April 2026. It will feature eight 480kw truck chargers, open not just to our fleet but also to third parties. Right now, we already have ten fully electric trucks with no tailpipe emissions and our plan is to expand our forty-strong fleet to seventy electric vehicles by the end of 2027. Beyond that, we’re watching autonomous technology closely and hope to be early adopters. For our forwarding customers, I think GreenFlow will be a real gamechanger.

Finally, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

If you’re going into business with partners, know them inside out as I learned the hard way. Get a shareholders’ agreement in place and bring in a good non-executive director who’ll challenge you, not just agree with you. And always keep money aside for a rainy day - you never know when you’ll need it!

Owen Mathias Photography

16–18th October. The Pie Club has landed.

A three-day tribute to one of Britain’s most beloved dishes.

Step into The Sorting Room Restaurant, reimagined as a modern pie room worth writing home about. Warm, welcoming, and made for good food and good company. Book Your Table

JULIE HAMMOND

Leading The Celtic Collection into a new chapter

Hospitality has always been part of Julie Hammond’s life. Growing up in her parents’ restaurant, she learned the trade from the ground up, peeling vegetables in the kitchen and welcoming guests front of house. “That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for creating memorable guest experiences,” she recalls.

After studying Hospitality Management at Birmingham College of Food, she set herself a bold goal. “I was once told that to truly succeed, I’d need to become a General Manager by the age of 30. I love a challenge, so I made that my goal and I achieved it.”

Her career has since spanned senior roles across hotels and major hospitality groups, including a formative period at the St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay. But even then, she admits, she aspired to join the Celtic Manor Resort. That ambition became reality last year when she was appointed CEO of The Celtic Collection, Wales’s largest independent hotel group.

Fotowales

Sophie Baxter Photography

Eight months into the role, Julie is energised by the opportunity.

“It’s a tremendous honour to lead The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales, especially at such a pivotal moment in its evolution,” she says. “There’s a real sense of momentum here, and I’m excited to help steer the next chapter of our journey.”

The Celtic Collection now includes thirteen hotels and venues, from the flagship Celtic Manor Resort to city-centre properties, such as the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff. With more than 2,000 employees, the business is one of South Wales’s largest private sector employers.

Yet, as she insists, “It still feels like a family. We owe all of our many awards and accolades to

the team’s pride in their work and their passion for bringing the best of Welsh hospitality to our guests.” That pride is also reflected in the group’s commitment to showcasing Wales, from sourcing local produce to celebrating its culture and landscapes. “That sense of place is something we never lose sight of, and it’s what makes our brand truly special.”

She also sees huge potential in International Convention Centre Wales which is based at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. “The timing of its launch, just before the pandemic, meant it hasn’t yet had the opportunity to truly shine. But ICC Wales has the scale and capability to be transformative, not just for our business, but for the

Welsh economy.” Upcoming events underline that ambition, including the Welsh Government Investment Summit later this year and the WorldChefs Congress & Expo in 2026.

The group’s economic contribution is significant with more than £40 million paid annually in wages and £15 million spent with regional suppliers. ICC Wales alone is projected to generate £340 million for the South Wales economy between 2023 and 2027 but beyond the numbers, the Celtic Collection also plays an active role in communities, from charitable partnerships to volunteering initiatives.

It also invests heavily in investing in training and development. “Many of our current managers started their journey with us and have grown through the business. We want people to see hospitality not just as a job, but as a profession and one that offers creativity, growth and the chance to make a real impact.”

Julie Hammond is certainly making a mark in the hospitality industry but to her, leadership is about setting an example particularly for other women.

“Hospitality is full of opportunity, and there’s no reason why gender should be a barrier to success.

If you bring passion, resilience and creativity, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.” And her advice is simple: “Be ambitious, be curious, and don’t wait for permission to lead as this is an industry where you can truly make your mark.”

Celtic Collection

At 25, when most people are just starting out in their careers, Gareth Lewis launched a fintech business that would go on to serve some of the world’s largest financial institutions. A decade later, Cardiff-based Delio is powering private market investment platforms worldwide and helping to redefine how wealth is accessed.

Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Gareth qualified as a Chartered Accountant and began his career in mergers and acquisitions. Advising UK owner-managed businesses on sales sparked his curiosity and led him to the question - what happened to the capital entrepreneurs generated from their exits? Many wanted to reinvest in private markets, but financial firms lacked the infrastructure to make distribution and reporting scalable, efficient and compliant. That gap became Delio’s opportunity.

Delio’s mission has remained consistent namely to build the digital infrastructure that enables financial institutions to scale their private market propositions. While the sector has evolved rapidly, Delio has stayed focused on its founding purpose, and that clarity has been crucial to its success in a market still at the start of its growth curve.

GARETH LEWIS

TAKING CARDIFF FINTECH TO THE WORLD

From the outset, the company thought globally and its founders travelled extensively to build relationships and win clients, refusing to confine their ambitions to local opportunities. Yet Cardiff has remained at Delio’s heart and Gareth credits the city’s talent, known for its honesty, integrity and people skills as a key factor in building trust with high-value clients and scaling faster than if they had been based elsewhere.

The journey has not been without challenges, but resilience, adaptability and a clear vision have seen Delio thrive. What started as an idea in Cardiff has grown into an international business with global impact and if Gareth Lewis’s optimism for the next decade is any sign, both Delio and Welsh fintech still have plenty of growth ahead.

Delio

Delio

We have recently opened a new shop in Cowbridge specialising in lingerie. It also does alterations, dry cleaning, and of course couture. This operates alongside our Carmarthen boutique.

We sell a full range of beautiful lingerie. Come and be fitted by our experiensed team for your perfect bra. Did you know that 80% of women wear the wrong fitting bra? We sell wired non wired and post surgery and up to an I cup . We stock luxury brands Empreinte, Prima Donna, MarieJo, Lise Charmel, Wacoal, Fantasie, Elomi, Truimph, Chantelle, Anita, Sloggi, Hanro and Falke.

Cowbridge Boutique Bethan Jones 59 Eastgate Cowbridge CF71 7EL 01446773003

Carmarthen Boutique Bethan Jones 26 Blue St Carmarthen SA31 3LE 01267 234008  info@bethanjones.wales www.bethanjones.wales

EDUARD PANTELEEV

POWERING SMES WITH ANNA MONEY

ANNA Money has become one of Cardiff ’s standout fi ntech success stories. Co-founded by Eduard Panteleev in 2018, the company off ers an AI-powered business account designed specifi cally for SMEs and it’s transforming how small fi rms handle their fi nances.

ANNA combines banking, accounting, tax fi ling, payroll and pensions in one place and since launch, the company has supported more than 100,000 UK SMEs.. What makes it unique is its chat-based interface - customers simply type requests like “Send an invoice to Rob Singh” and it’s done. If the AI can’t answer, users are instantly connected to ANNA’s 24/7 Cardiff -based support team.

Eduard says ANNA was created to solve a common pain point. “Founders were spending heavily on accountants yet often getting poor service, while worrying about tax returns instead of growing their business.” ANNA’s goal was to give them “an accountant

in their pocket,” handling tax estimates, filings and invoicing so they could focus on growth.

That customer focus is central to ANNA’s bold, playful brand. “We combine cutting-edge AI with instant human support,” says Eduard. “Our chatters bring reassurance and joy.” In 2024 alone, the team gave away £30,000 of Uber Eats vouchers “just because the sun was shining or it was Friday.” Even its launch featured a miaowing debit card to show that business banking doesn’t have to be dull.

Cardiff was a deliberate choice of base, thanks to its talent pool, transport links and strong reputation for customer service and Eduard says being rooted in Wales has been key to building a high-performing support team.

Looking ahead, ANNA has declared itself “robot ready”, integrating with ChatGPT agent mode and Eduard believes AI will soon turn ANNA from “an accountant in your pocket” into a proactive advisor for small businesses across Britain.

Anna Money

Anna Money

COWSHED Bold Creativity with Purpose

For Vick Spencer-Francis, founder of Cardiff -based creative agency Cowshed, building a business was never just about profi t, it was about purpose. Her journey began on a small dairy farm in Monmouthshire and far from the bright lights of PR campaigns “I was never much of a farm hand,” she admits, and from an early age longed for the energy of city life.

That dream took her to London, where she carved out a career in television PR, working across some of the UK’s biggest broadcasters. From Channel 4 and The Big Breakfast to launching new digital channels at Granada and CBBC at the BBC, she became known for blending entertainment with purpose. A spell at Comic Relief deepened her passion for using creativity

to drive change but a return to Wales, following a diffi cult personal period, reshaped her path. “If I wasn’t going to have children, then my life would need to be fi lled with another purpose,” and Cowshed was born from that determination.

Founded in 2014, the agency’s mission has been clear from the start namely to deliver standout work for clients the team love and causes they believe in. Those words are emblazoned in gold on the office wall, and they remain the guiding star of a company that today is recognised as one of the

Cowshed

UK’s leading consultancies. “It’s what brings exceptional talent to the team and keeps us grounded in what matters,” she says.

That clarity of purpose has allowed Cowshed to build a reputation for bold, creative campaigns. For Vicki, the formula is simple - bravery, mindset, and refusing to settle. “We gain deep insights from the communities we work with, but we also lean into our own experiences. If you aren’t going to push things, what’s the point?”.

That approach has produced memorable moments. Locally, an eight-year partnership with FOR Cardiff saw Cowshed float sixmetre-wide daffodils above the city for St David’s Day, place a life-size gingerbread house in The Hayes, and launch Cardiff as the City of Arcades.

Nationally, campaigns such as Choose Family for the National Adoption Service, Bring Something to the Table for Foster Wales, and SOUND with the Welsh Government (which is aimed at making Wales the safest place in the world to be a woman) show the power of creativity to change lives. “Our best work happens when we have brave clients who can meet our bravery,” Vicki says.

Running a creative business has not been without its challenges. “Understanding what it means to be a leader has taken me a long time,” she admits “It wasn’t a role I’d planned for, but I’m getting there through hard work and reflection.” Staying relevant in a fast-changing industry and finding the right people have also been tests, but she now leads a team of ambitious, like-minded creatives committed to building, not just working in, a business.

Cardiff has been central to Cowshed’s story and arriving sixteen years ago knowing only a handful of people, she quickly found the city welcoming and supportive. “I couldn’t have set up the business to succeed anywhere else and Cardiff has been incredible for building a network. I’ve been welcomed with open arms by kind, generous friends and supporters.”

Looking ahead, she sees both challenges and opportunities for the creative industries in Wales

and while the pull of London and Bristol still lures talent away, Vicki believes the answer lies in building companies of exceptional quality at home. “If we all supported each other and built agencies with worldclass creative ambition right here, talent wouldn’t need to move away.”

Her advice for new creative entrepreneurs in Cardiff is grounded in her own experience which is to build a trusted team, stay true to your principles, trust your gut, and take your time.

“Get people by your side who will tell you when you’re wrong as well as right,” she says. “Savour every moment - it’s worth it.”

From its beginnings rooted in determination, Cowshed has grown into an agency that proves Welsh creativity can compete at the highest level while making a difference. For Vicki SpencerFrancis, it’s a business filled with purpose and one she believes is only just getting started.

Cowshed

Making plans for the future is one of the most thoughtful ways we can support the people who matter to us the most. Two of the most important ways to achieve this is by preparing a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

A Will provides clarity, ensures your wishes are respected, and saves family and friends of any uncertainty at an already difficult time. A Will is not just about assets, but about offering peace of mind and leaving a legacy of care for loved ones.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are equally as important as Wills. Lasting Powers of Attorney allow trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot, safeguarding your wellbeing and finances in line with your wishes.

By taking these steps you give your family the lasting gift of comfort, security and peace of mind for the future.

At Hutton’s Law, our team of specialists provide personalised support with care and empathy, ensuring your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected.

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HANNAH WILLIAMS

CHAMPIONING THE NEXT GENERATION AT ALACRITY

Entrepreneurship has always been second nature to Hannah Williams. Born in Llanrumney and raised in Newport, she grew up in a family business environment, helping in her parents’ electrical company from an early age. Those experiences gave her a grounding in the realities of running a business long before she started one herself.

After studying Accounting and Finance and qualifying as an ACCA, her entrepreneurial instincts took hold. In 2012, she was part of the founding team that launched Tiny Rebel from her dad’s garage in Newport. What began with a kettle and a bucket became one of Wales’s bestknown craft breweries, with a purpose-built site in Rogerstone and national acclaim. A decade later, Hannah left her role as CFO in the business to seek a new challenge.

That came with the Alacrity Foundation, which supports aspiring entrepreneurs to build high-

growth tech start-ups. Initially a trustee, she applied to be CEO despite, as she puts it, “not knowing the first thing about coding.” What she brought was leadership, commercial experience and drivequalities that helped her secure the role.

Alacrity takes a distinctive approach and participants don’t need an idea, funding or co-founders at the start. Instead, teams are built from scratch to solve industry-led problems and develop investable tech ventures. Since launch, it has supported over 160 entrepreneurs, whose start-ups now have a combined valuation of £23.5 million and have raised more than £1.7 million for Welsh businesses.

For Hannah Williams, leading Alacrity is a natural extension of her own journey from family business roots to Tiny Rebel, and now to shaping Wales’s entrepreneurial future. “Business is business,” she says. “I made plenty of mistakes along the way, and I want to help others avoid them. Supporting young founders feels like the most meaningful role I could take on”

Alacrity Foundation

Cutest Cardiff

‘At Cutest we believe in the power of community and the impact individuals can have on promoting skin health. If you would like to earn extra money and contribute to the development of skincare, consider joining our panel of volunteers.’

Become a volunteer by scanning this QR code to fill out our medical form and start earning money and free skincare today!

Earn Extra Money and Free Skincare With

Cutest Systems Ltd is a skincare testing company which has been running for over 40 years. We work with some of the biggest cosmetic brands on the market, which you probably use daily. There’s lots that goes on behind the scenes for making sure cosmetic products are safe and effective for use, this is where we come in.

We test products that regularly come into contact with the skin, for example body creams, face creams, washes, soaps, make-up, fragrances, sunscreen and many more. There are two main reasons that a skin product may require testing.

Firstly, before being launched onto the market it needs to be demonstrated that the product will not cause any skin reaction. Secondly, if the product is making a specific claim, for example ‘moisturising’, ‘suitable for sensitive skin’ or ‘no more tears’, then this must be scientifically proven. Do you want to be part of the process for launching new cosmetic products, whilst earning money?

Social Media

We use our Social Media platforms to post up coming studies. There will be information of length of the study, payment, age range, gender, skin type and what the study entails. Attached to these posts will be interest forms where you can let us know you would like to take part in the study. A member of staff will go though this and then contact you.

Our regular working hours are Monday-Friday 9-5. However, we have been increasingly running more evening appointments to accommodate people who may want to do a study but are only free outside of those times.

All our staff members are carefully trained to ensure all studies run smoothly and safely. Our studies are overseen by our Medical Director, a leading Consultant Dermatologist, so you can be confident to take part.

By taking part in studies at Cutest you are helping to improve the cosmetic products currently available and helping the development of new ones. Taking part can be an interesting and fun experience. We always have the best interests of the volunteers at Cutest in mind, for instance we use an independent ethics committee to scrutinise new studies.

Before joining our volunteer panel, you will need to complete a medical form which will be reviewed by one of our nurses. If your form is approved, a member of staff will contact you to inform you and let you know of any potential studies you can join.

We conduct studies on various parts of the body, including the face, arms, legs and back. You can take part in two studies at one time, providing they are on different parts of the body.

We have over 2700 volunteers on our panel but are always looking to expand and add more to this. Could this be you? If you are interested in earning extra money, free skincare, and being part of the development of new cosmetic products, we are a perfect match.

For most of his career, Ben Allwright built networks for others but after years running an international network services business, he decided it was time to do it himself and Wales stood out. Underserved by incumbents yet full of potential, it needed a network built with purpose.

That spark became Ogi, a challenger broadband brand on a mission to connect Welsh communities by building its own fi bre network and speaking directly to customers, creating something “for Wales, not just in it.”

From the outset, Ogi set out to be bold, local and a little rebellious, focusing on areas traditional operators had overlooked. That approach paid off and Ogi has become one of Wales’s fastest-growing companies with a team that is not just technically strong but is rooted in what customers need.

Building a broadband company from scratch was never easy, and scaling quickly has meant navigating regulation, logistics and local expectations. “Plenty of things have tested us,” he admits, “but if you

BEN ALLWRIGHT

CONNECTING WALES WITH OGI

learn fast and stay focused, you keep moving.”

For Ben Allwright, Ogi’s story is also a lesson in entrepreneurship as disrupting established industries requires more than technology, it demands persistence and courage.

His advice to others is simple: “Don’t just copy what’s been done before but question it. Get your hands dirty, understand your customers, and build a team you’d go to war with. You need grit, clarity of purpose, and the nerve to do it your own way. And when the doubters show up, as they always do, keep showing up too as consistency beats noise.”

Ben Allwright’s mission to connect Wales with purpose-driven broadband has already made Ogi one of the UK’s most dynamic companies and with a growing fi bre network across South Wales, the future for his business, and for Wales’s digital economy, looks brighter than ever.

Ogi

Ogi

CHARLOTTE LEYSHON

When Charlotte Leyshon launched Lux Family Law in Cardiff in 2017, she knew she wanted to do things differently. After building her career at some of London’s top law firms, specialising in high-profile divorce cases for ultra-wealthy clients, she returned to

South Wales determined to create a boutique family law practice that combined expertise with empathy.

Her journey to that point had not been straightforward. Having grown up in Newport, she studied law at university before working

in Mayfair and Covent Garden where she was involved in cases that reached the Supreme Court and helped establish legal principles still used today. But in 2013, her life changed dramatically. “I went through my own divorce when my daughter was just two years old,” she explains. “It was unexpected and traumatic, and I decided to return to South Wales to be near my family.”

Back home, she joined Hugh James, rising to head of the family department within four years. Yet she still felt there was space for a more personal and tailored approach. “I wanted to offer a truly bespoke and niche service that could only be delivered in a boutique practice,” she says. After running the numbers with her friend Professor Dylan Jones-Evans and receiving the pep talk she needed, she decided to take the leap and launch her own firm.

From the outset, Lux was designed to be different. Rather than relying on a single lawyer charging a single rate, every client is supported by a full team at different levels of seniority. Junior lawyers handle more straightforward tasks while Charlotte oversees strategy and complex issues. This structure ensures that clients feel held by

Lux Family Law

the whole firm, paying only for the level of support they need. Building the business has not been without its challenges and just two years after opening, the pandemic disrupted the legal sector, but Charlotte believes it forced the courts and family law to modernise for the better. Finding the right people has also taken time. “Our offering means fee earners must be bright, empathetic, polished and real team players. I’ve kissed a lot of frogs, but now I have the most incredible group of lawyers, all trained by me in the Lux way.”

Cardiff has played a vital role in the firm’s success. Returning from London, Charlotte quickly found herself embraced by the city’s professional networks. “The business community is small

enough that Lux’s impact was immediate,” she says. Within a year, the firm was one of the leading practices in South Wales.

Her own approach to leadership blends business discipline with compassion. “I’ve been through a painful divorce myself, so I know clients may be at their lowest point when they walk through our doors. That shapes everything we do: responsive, compassionate service combined with excellent advice. Leading the business is about setting that example for the whole team.”

Charlotte is unequivocal when asked what advice she would give others considering going out on their own in Cardiff. “Do it! It’s the best thing I ever did. What’s the worst that can happen? You

go back to paid employment. Working for yourself is a privilege.”

Of all her achievements, she is most proud of the people around her. “Every qualified lawyer at Lux has been trained here. Watching them arrive as uncut gems and turn into polished professionals who make such a difference to clients makes my heart burst with pride.”

For Charlotte Leyshon, building Lux has always been about more than law. It is about creating a practice that combines skill and empathy, rooted in Cardiff but with a vision that challenges the conventions of family law. And, just like her clients, she has shown that a new chapter can lead to remarkable things.

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Cardiff is fast becoming one of the UK’s most exciting retail hotspots. Over the past few years, a wave of entrepreneurial brands have chosen the city as their next home from cult fashion labels and independent coffee pioneers to bold new food and lifestyle concepts. They bring with them not only fresh products and experiences, but also a new energy that is reshaping the high street.

What makes Cardiff so attractive?

Part of it is the city’s character: a youthful population, a strong independent culture, and customers who are curious and loyal to businesses that do things differently. But there’s also a hard-headed business case. Cardiff offers access to a growing urban economy, a compact and connected city centre, and a community that actively champions innovation. For many of these entrepreneurs, it’s the perfect stage to grow their brand while staying true to their values. Here are just a few of the standout entrepreneurial retailers now making their mark on the city.

PIZZA PILGRIMS

What began as two brothers touring Italy in a tiny Piaggio van has grown into one of the UK’s most talked-about pizza brands. Pizza Pilgrims built its reputation on authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas made with the best Italian ingredients, served in relaxed, fun venues that celebrate the joy of eating together. Their move into Cardiff marked the brand’s first foray into Wales, bringing with it the entrepreneurial spirit, playful energy and serious food credentials

CARDIFF’S NEW WAVE OF RETAILERS

that have won it legions of fans across London and beyond.

“We had always wanted to open a pizzeria in Cardiff,” co-founder Thom Elliott explains. “Having been to so many events in the city over the years (my in-laws live in Wales), it is amazing to see a city where the high street and the event destinations are so close together so the atmosphere at every event spills out into the entire city and its hospitality venues. We spent many years looking until exactly the right venue came up, and when we had the opportunity to be right in front of the iconic castle we knew it was the spot. We’ve been bowled over by our reception in the first year - people in Cardiff really know how to have a good time, and we’ve been delighted to be welcomed into the city.”

BIRD & BLEND TEA CO.

Founded by two tea-obsessed entrepreneurs, Bird & Blend is redefining what a modern tea brand can be. With over 100 unique blends ranging from the whimsical (birthday cake tea)

to the wellness-driven (sleepy teas and immune boosters), the company has built a cult following both online and in its experiential stores. Its Cardiff shop is part retail, part tea wonderland, offering tastings, workshops and a chance for customers to explore flavours in a hands-on way.

“Cardiff is one of the most exciting cities in the UK, with a vibrant food and drink scene as well as access to a huge audience of locals and visitors,” says founder Mike Turner. “It was always a no-brainer that we’d want to be in Cardiff and our St Mary Street store remains one of our most prominent.”

Pizza

Pilgrims

Bird & Blend Tea Co.

Photography by Balazs Bezeczky

Leir ang n Lighting

AVAILABLE AT A LIFE IN COLOUR

25-27, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1GA