Entrepreneurs join bank as directors
THE Development Bank of Wales has appointed two entrepreneurs to its board as non-executive directors.
Kate Methuen-Ley founder and director of award-winning Tiger Cardiff joins the development bank along with Rob Lamb a digital entrepreneur and investment specialist.
As a graduate of Swansea University and Cardiff Business School, Ms Methuen-Ley built Tiger Cardiff to nine stores with a turnover of £5.3m prior to her exit in 2018.
She is now a non-executive director of Loopster.co.uk, mentor with the tech incubator Alacrity Foundation, as well as providing strategic advice to a number of companies.
Ms Methuen-Ley said: “The Development
Bank of Wales is a unique resource for Wales; helping Welsh businesses create or safeguard jobs, be more innovative and increase their contribution to the economy.
“As an entrepreneur, I have firsthand experience of the value of the start-up ecosystem in Wales and am keen to contribute to this; helping others to fulfil their dreams and reach their full potential.”
A Welsh speaker, and graduate of Cardiff University, Rob Lamb is the co-founder and director of Hedgehog, a digital platform that has the mission to democratise investing in property by making fractional ownership available to everyone.
He is also a non-executive director of the social impact investment consultancy Expectation State and FairPlay Trading, the commercial arm of Wales’ gender equality charity Chwarae Teg.
Mr Lamb said: “The provision of sustainable, effective finance in the market is key to unlocking the potential of the Welsh economy.
“As an investor and a business owner, I understand what help businesses need to thrive and look forward to working with the Board of the Development Bank to deliver this.”
Gareth Bullock, chair of the Development Bank of Wales said: “We welcome Kate and Rob to the Development Bank of Wales board.
“All our non-executive directors provide independent and creative contribution to the Board, providing strategic direction and oversight.
“That’s why it is so important to have a diverse board with a mix of skills.
“Having started and run businesses, both Kate and Rob understand what it takes to grow a successful business in Wales.
“Their contribution will be very valuable as we focus on supporting the recovery of the Welsh economy and building the organisation’s longterm infrastructure.”
The bank is wholly-owned by the Welsh Government.