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Caerphilly-based Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (Welsh ICE) has made two new appointments as it continues to expand its team.

Llinos Neale has been appointed as the new community manager, while Patrick Valentino has joined as a digital marketing assistant.

Ms Neale, who has worked as a receptionist at Welsh ICE since 2017, previously worked as an operations manager at Cardiff-based charity Pedal Power. Her new role will see her manage Welsh ICE’s community of around 700 members across its campus on Caerphilly Business Park, as well as through its new online platform.

Ms Neale said: “We have a vision at Welsh ICE to be the first point of thought for those who want to start a business, or who are thinking about becoming self-employed.

“As issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic or the growing recession disrupt economies, we are going to see more people have to think about seeking alternative employment.”

Speaking of the new appointments, Jamie McGowan, CEO of Welsh ICE, said: “When Llinos joined us as a receptionist three years ago, she was probably overqualified for the role, but her passion to be part of what we were doing on campus was apparent for all to see. It wasn’t long before she was improving our processes and procedures and setting best practice.

Mr McGowan added: “Patrick not only brings with him great technical skill in digital marketing, but also an important understanding about how to support a community of business owners. He really impressed us with his desire to be part of the ICE community, which he first learned about from a marketing book written by one of our members.”

Welsh ICE, where Caerphilly Observer is also based, 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.