Support firm is boss set for retirement
CHIEF executive of property-tobusiness support firm Business in Focus Katy Chamberlain is standing down after nine years in the role.
During her time with the Bridgend-headquartered firm, which is contracted to provide business support to firms across Wales for the Welsh Government under its Business Wales brand, the social enterprise has doubled in size.
Ms Chamberlain said:“It’s been a wonderful experience working with an amazing team to build our muchneeded offering through recessions, Brexit and a global pandemic – and I’m immensely proud of the way we have developed the complete package to help businesses start, prosper and grow, giving everyone the chance to turn their aspirations and dreams into a successful enterprise.”
She joined Business in Focus in 2012, following a successful 20-year career with international accountancy and advisory firm KPMG and four years as CEO of Chwarae Teg, the charity championing women in the workplace.
Highlights during her tenure include expanding the Business in Focus’ property portfolio, including an £8m acquisition of the property portfolio of Venture Wales in 2019.
For the last six years, she has led the consortium delivering Welsh Government’s Business Wales business support offer, supporting startups and small and medium-sized businesses across Wales.
Chairman of Business in Focus Geraint Evans said: “The board and I would like to thank Katy for her great contribution to Business in Focus.
She has been instrumental in the success of the company and leaves us in a great position, with our eyes firmly set on the horizon to expand our support for enterprise in creative and inventive ways. Katy leaves with the very best wishes of the board for a long and happy retirement”
A search to find a new chief executive is under way by headhunting firm Goodson Thomas.