Here’s to 30 of the best in business in Wales
IT was International Women’s Day on Sunday. While there is still much to be done to close the gender gap, as highlighted by the launch of Future Female Founders, a collaboration between Chwarae Teg, NatWest and Simply Do Ideas, last week, there is are still many women leading the way in Wales.
Here we take the opportunity to profile 30 women who have made their mark in the business community.
We have not included people from the public or third sector, although a couple on the list are in positions that have an important role in boosting the private sector, such as the city growth deals.
This is by no means a definitive list and there many women working in numerous businesses across Wales who have made it to the top, despite the continuing issues around the glass ceiling, but we couldn’t feature them all. If you, or someone you know, should have been included please do hesitate in sharing their story with us.
1,2 & 3. JANE TRANTER, JULIE GARDNER, AND NATHASHA HALE - BAD WOLF
It’s great to see three women behind the fastest-growing business in Wales.
Bad Wolf achieved a staggering growth rate of 2,668% from 2016-18, with revenues rising from £1.8m to £50.3m.
The Cardiff-based production company was established in 2015 by former BBC executives Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, with Natasha Hale joining as chief operating officer.
The firm is continuing to sustain exceptional revenue growth, with its critically-acclaimed production of the fantasy drama His Dark Materials airing at the end of 2019 and the second series due to hit our screens later this year.
This followed the success of a Discovery
of Witches for Sky, for which two additional series was commissioned, and the second series is also set for later this year.
4. FIONA STEWART GREEN MAN
Green Man, Wales’s largest music, science and arts festival, attracts thousands of people from around the world to the Brecon Beacons every August, contributing £10 million to the Welsh economy every year. Fiona Stewart is currently the only woman with controlling ownership of a large UK festival.
Previously working at the Big Chill festival, Fiona joined the Green Man team and developed it into the multi-national event it is today, and now sits as its director and owner.
She also founded the Green Man Trust charity in 2013 which has supported more than 3,000 artists, trained 2,000 people, 200 science engagement projects and 27 Welsh community projects.
5. ALISON VICKERS BEVAN AND BUCKLAND
Alison Vickers is the managing partner of the chartered accountants firm Bevan and Buckland, which has its head office in Swansea.
Ms Vickers is a qualified chartered accountant and provides financial, accounting, tax advice and support to a range of owner-managed businesses throughout south west Wales.
Her areas of expertise include the not-for-profit sector, and she regu