Prior to the formation of the Cardiff Business Partnership there was no organisation that provided the authoritative voice of business for Cardiff.
Existing organisations in the city are primarily focused on networking events, and little time and energy is currently focused on key added value activities such as promoting the needs of business and developing effective links between business and government in Wales. It was clear that Cardiff required a new business leadership organisation to provide:
- A credible and high profile team of business representatives.
- Engagement with senior council officials and politicians.
- A powerful lobbying and influencing role on government policies and investment related to Cardiff (seen by government as the natural business leaders).
- Intelligence on issues impacting on Cardiff through corporate intelligence and research.
- Solutions to key strategic challenges for Cardiff and take them to government.
- The views of business leaders to decision makers in government.
“The Cardiff Business Partnership is about putting Wales and its Capital city on the map as the leading UK city for business.”
Matthew Tossell, Managing Partner of Hugh James Solicitors
Similar partnerships in other cities across the globe have become a catalyst in facilitating constructive and effective dialogue between government and the private sector. As the knowledge economy grows, cities will continue to lead the way for their respective nations. The lack of a voice for the city’s core creators of wealth would not only hold back the city’s competitiveness, but also impact upon Wales’ economic development.
“We’ve got some of the best and most competitive businesses in the UK, and the world, and this is something we should be shouting from the rooftops. Companies like Admiral have shown how businesses in the Capital can continue to grow, even during a period of global recession and I am delighted this partnership has been formed, which I am sure will reap dividends for everyone involved.”
Cllr Rodney Berman, Leader of Cardiff Council
