Principality Building Society CEO Iain Mansfield Appointed CBI Wales Chair
Iain Mansfield, the chief executive of Principality Building Society, has been appointed as the new chair of the business body CBI Wales. He succeeds Alison Orrells in this role, which is set for a two-year term. Mansfield, who assumed leadership of the UK's sixth-largest mutual building society last October, previously served as vice-chair of CBI Wales, bringing a wealth of experience to the position.
Advocate for Start-ups and Economic Growth
As a partner of FinTech Wales, Mansfield has been a strong advocate for supporting start-ups and scale-up businesses. In his new role, he emphasized the importance of addressing economic challenges and unlocking productivity to drive sustainable, long-term growth across Wales.
Mansfield stated: "It is a genuine privilege to take up the position of chair of CBI Wales, at such an important time for our economy. Businesses up and down the country are facing a challenging economic and policy backdrop. At the same time, we must address issues closer to home, particularly the urgent need to unlock productivity to secure sustainable, long-term growth."
He added: "As chair, I am committed to strengthening CBI Wales' position as the leading voice for business across Wales and supporting each and every sector that powers our economy. I look forward to amplifying the collective views of business at the highest levels of decision-making as we work together towards the more prosperous Wales we all want to see."
Support from CBI Wales Director
Russell Greenslade, director of CBI Wales, expressed his delight at Mansfield's appointment. He highlighted Mansfield's deep understanding of the economic challenges faced by businesses and his potential to enhance the organization's impact.
Greenslade said: "I am delighted to welcome Iain as CBI Wales chair. Iain brings a deep understanding of the high costs and economic challenges faced by businesses. With the launch of the CBI Wales Senedd election manifesto, Iain will be an important voice in business' relationship with the current and next government to ensure it delivers the jobs and sustainable growth needed to turbo charge the economy."
Greenslade also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing chair Alison Orrells, thanking her for her efforts in removing barriers to growth through dedicated work with senior political leaders, including the Prime Minister and First Minister, as part of the Welsh Economic Advisory Group.
CBI Wales Manifesto and Key Priorities
In its manifesto, CBI Wales outlines several key priorities for the next Welsh Government, including:
- Devising a comprehensive industrial strategy tailored to Wales.
- Aiming to double the number of innovation-ready firms in the region.
- Revisiting the case for delivering an M4 Relief Road, a project previously rejected by then First Minister Mark Drakeford on cost and environmental grounds, despite being a manifesto pledge and recommended by an independent planning inspector.
Mansfield's appointment comes at a critical juncture, with CBI Wales poised to play a pivotal role in shaping economic policies and fostering business growth across all sectors in Wales.
