A Christmas message from GlobalWelsh

As we approach the end of 2023 and as Christmas looms large, we naturally reflect on the year that has passed far too quickly. We also wonder what the new year will bring, our hopes and dreams for ourselves, family, friends and the wider world.

Our tendency is to look forward, not back, but reflecting on past achievements and lessons learnt is always surprising, leaving you with a feeling that is usually satisfying and motivational. 

As we reflect on GlobalWelsh activities and achievements during 2023, we are reminded of how much our small team in Wales and our amazing volunteers, around the world, have accomplished. So, here’s a summary for those that are unfamiliar with our work, we hope it will motivate you to get involved…

Some key achievements..

2023 has been our busiest year yet! From raising £3,000 for the Urdd with Walter’s 200-mile walk across the Portuguese Camino, to launching two new Hubs (USA and Business Member) and reaching a milestone of 5,000 users on the Connect platform this month - what a way to round off the year!  

We’ve also partnered with Said Business School, expanded our Pathfinder membership options and introduced our brand new Business Spotlight articles to shine a light on some of Wales’ most exciting and ambitious companies.

An eventful year…

It’s been a very busy year of events for us. We hope you were able to make it along but if you weren’t able, take a little look at our online and in-person event highlights of 2023…

• Our first GlobalWelsh USA Cwtch
• 11 Connect with GlobalWelsh for Business Taster Sessions
• AI 101: An introduction to business with EthicsGrade CEO Charles Radclyffe
• Wales Tech Week
• Understanding Marketing Strategy with New Media Ghost
• The introduction of GlobalWelsh Invest Taster Sessions
• Kitakyushu 北九州 in Cymru クムリ
• Cocktails/Coffi and Connect in Dubai
• Pathfinder career accelerator events with various guest speakers

Connecting to London…

A special mention for our Connect to London events which we launched in 2023. During the year we brought together over 30 amazing Welsh businesses for investment and networking opportunities. It was great to see so many new faces over the year and we are deeply grateful for our guest speakers (Eamon Tuhami, Jayne Brewer, Sam Huxtable, Nigel Grierson, Nan Williams, Warren East, Tomos Parry, Jonathan Woolway and Sian Wyn Owen) who were kind enough to share their wisdom with us. Keep an eye out for our next Connect to London Event date in the new year!

Thank you to Jamie O’Hara, the team at Four Agency and all of our event partners: Mauve Cymru, Welsh Government, Lexington Corporate Finance and Menai Science Park. Your support made these events possible.

Getting down to business…

In 2023 our Business Members (check out the Directory on Connect) almost doubled, with new members including Atherton Bikes, Credas Technologies and Dragons RFC. We round off the year off with 73 business members (in Wales and around the world) to whom we are providing unique opportunities to network, seek investment and trade internationally. We are regularly bringing these businesses together to help them overcome challenges, find solutions and help raise their profiles!

Here’s some we’ve spotlighted this year…

• Rockfield Software (Swansea)
• Mauve Group (Ruthin)
• SaySomethingIn (Bangor)
• Penderyn (Penderyn, Swansea & Llandudno)
• echo.bravo (Reigate)
• Câr-Y-Mor (St Davids)
• Ideabatic (Gaerwen)
• Kaydiar (Swansea)
• Riversimple (Llandrindod Wells)
• New Media Ghost (Cardiff)
• Valley Diagnostics (Cardiff)
• Creo Medical (Chepstow)
• Atherton Bikes (Machynlleth)

If you have a business and want to know a little more about how we can help, get in touch with us in the New Year and let’s start 2024 off with a bang!

Last but not least, our incredible global community!

A heartfelt shoutout to all the amazing people backing our GlobalWelsh mission! We owe our success to each and every one of you. Your unwavering support is what keeps us going strong and together we're making a world of difference!

Also, a big shoutout to our Hub Leads: Jamie O’Hara (London), Mark Prendergast (Middle East), Sarah Louisa Birchley (Japan), Ling Lai (Beijing) and Jan Griffiths (USA), you are shining examples of the dedication and passion for Wales we’re hoping to inspire.

We look forward to meeting more of you and continuing to connect and engage with the diaspora in 2024!

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

From GlobalWelsh

(Walter, Zara, Nan, Tom  Beth, Sarah and Catrin)