Start-up business centre appoints new CEO

The Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (Welsh ICE), which is based on Caerphilly Business Park, has appointed a new CEO.

Jamie McGowan, formerly the campus director at Welsh ICE, will be tasked with navigating the centre through the uncertainties of a post-coronavirus world.

Mr McGowan said: “After taking over as campus director in 2018 I was able to take a more hands-on approach to the running of the ICE campus and working with our community of over 700 staff, members and businesses.

“To say that the coworking landscape has changed is understating it somewhat and much of our support has moved online. However, with these challenges come opportunities.

“By navigating the restrictions currently in place, we feel we will be in a stronger position to support even more incredible people, as we will no longer be limited by geography or transport.”

He added: “I look forward to working with the rest of the board to grow our community of entrepreneurs beyond our physical space and build on the already sterling reputation of ICE as the place to start and grow your business anywhere in the UK.”

Anthony Record MBE, Chair of Welsh ICE, said: “Jamie has done a fantastic job as campus director, helping grow the community and offering record levels of support to our members.

“As businesses begin to adapt to a new way of working and living, we felt the time was right for Jamie to take on a wider role to include the development and future strategy of the business.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Burt joins the Welsh ICE Board as non-executive financial director, while Annie Browne, who co-founded the self-employed community Freelance Heroes, which has 10,000 members, joins the board as non-executive director.

The changes at the top also see Adrian Walker switching roles from finance director to chief technical officer, focusing on Welsh ICE’s digital services as social distancing measures driving more business and services online.

Welsh ICE is one of five regional enterprise hubs across Wales, all funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

The hubs will see over £4m invested to provide supportive spaces and mentoring for new and growing businesses, with the ICE Campus supporting the South East Wales Valleys region.