Agenda

 07.45 Networking Buffet Breakfast

08.25 Chair's Opening Remarks

Brian Groom, UK Business and Employment Editor, Financial Times

08.30 Cardiff and Wales: The Opportunity during the Downturn

Cardiff's transformation in recent years into an exciting place to live and work has been impressive, and, for UK and international businesses that set up shop here, the potential rewards are significant. So what are the key benefits of making Cardiff and Wales part of your UK relocation or expansion strategy, particularly during the economic climate?

Byron Davies, Chief Executive, Cardiff Council

Ian Williams, Director, International Business Wales

09.00 Corporate Address: The Pioneer's View

Admiral set up shop in Cardiff in 1993 - one of the first large financial services companies to base itself in the city at the time, and has since expanded into Swansea and Newport. Where it led, others followed and last year it saw a profit increase of 11% despite the difficult economic climate. Learn from the experiences of a veteran investor in Cardiff and Wales, and how it benefits from doing business from its Cardiff HQ.

FTSE 100-listed Admiral is classed among the most successful companies in the UK, and has grown under Mr Engelhardt from a small start-up to a turnover of £900m-plus a year.

09.30 Corporate Case Study - The Investors' View

Over the last decade and more, Aviva has invested heavily in Cardiff Bay and has played a major role in the transformation of the area from derelict docks to a vibrant waterfront business and administrative centre.  Hear why Aviva has so much faith in Cardiff and how they intend to continue their investment in the city over the next 5-10 years.  

Mike Luscombe, Fund Manager, Aviva

09.45 Corporate Case Study - A Multinational View

Employing over 900 people and headquartered in Newport, South Wales, the EADS Defence and Security Systems UK vocation is to create complete communication and information systems solutions.  Hear how they have benefited from the availability of competitively priced but highly skilled labour and how their physical location has helped them maximise their opportunities.

Mike Greenway, Commercial Director, EADS

10.00 Doing Business in Cardiff and Wales

Sir Emyr Jones Parry EJP GCMG, former UK Permanent Representative to the UN

10.15 Innovation in Tough Times

Some of the greatest innovations and breakthroughs have emerged during economic downturns. Can British business innovate its way out of this recession?

Tim Jones, CEO, Innovaro

10.40 AUDIENCE Q&A

An opportunity for delegates to question speakers on issues highlighted during the course of morning's presentations.

11.00 Chair's Closing Remarks followed by Networking Tea & Coffee

Didn't get the opportunity to ask your question, or thought of another? Speakers will be available in a more 'informal' setting to offer tailored information and answer your outstanding questions. This is also an opportunity to network with fellow delegates.

11.30 End of Briefing