Providing expert advice and support to grow Wales plc.
Who we are
Industry Wales was established ten years ago by the Welsh Government to act as an umbrella organisation for our sector forums and to represent the voice of automotive, aerospace, net zero, digital and meditech industries in Wales. Our remit includes offering unbiased, unfettered advice to Welsh Government ministers and advocating for business growth and innovation across the nation.
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Expert advice on skills, infrastructure, supply chain, innovation and more
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Opportunities to collaborate, supply to and from, and make connections and academia and the public sector
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Support with applying for funding, arranging partnerships, ensuring delivery and value for money
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Providing expert, unfettered advice from industry directly to government ministers and key decision makers to make your voice heard.
Meet the Team
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Dr Jenifer Baxter
Chief Executive
An internationally recognised expert in energy system development and infrastructure, with specific expertise in co-generation and hydrogen production and use, industrial capabilities and clusters and the successful diffusion and commercialisation of new and emerging technologies and infrastructure.
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Mike Gillard
Supply Chain Development Manager
With 34 years of experience in the design, development, and volume manufacturing within the automotive sector, I bring a deep understanding of various manufacturing disciplines. My expertise spans the entire production lifecycle, enabling me to offer valuable insights into the economic impact of advanced manufacturing processes.
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Bill Peaper
Skills Development Manager
Bill has 33 years’ experience in engineering manufacture skills development. He has contributed to the development of policies and programmes to support the sectors skill requirements such as Apprenticeship frameworks and funding solutions.
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Tony Leahy
Skills Development Manager
Tony has more than 35 years’ experience of engineering manufacture and construction skills developments. He has contributed to the development of qualifications, frameworks, policies, and learning programmes in support of the sectors skills needs.
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Chris Williams
Head of Industrial Decarbonisation
Chris is seconded to the role of ‘Head of Industrial Decarbonisation’ at Industry Wales. Chris has 34 years’ experience in the steel industry, he founded the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC), Net Zero Industry Wales (NZIW) and more lately ‘Electrify Industry – powered by MakeUK’.
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Alex Feeney
Head of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs
Alex has more than 20 years of experience in journalism, communications and public affairs. He has worked for national news organisations, parliamentary bodies and established his own award-winning media production company.
Meet the Board
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Professor Keith Ridgway
Chair
Keith is Chair of Industry Wales and Founder and Executive Chair of the National Manufacturing Institute, Scotland and Advanced Forming Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde. Keith was awarded an OBE for services to UK manufacturing industry in June 2005 and a CBE for services to UK manufacturing industry in January 2012.
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Dr Hushneara Begum
Director
A consultant, lecturer, researcher and adviser to the government and private sector. My specialism lies within sustainability, low carbon, Net Zero, EDI, policy sustainable procurement and supply chains. I have been commissioned by the Welsh government to provide advice on procurement processes across all sectors. I am currently working in collaboration with public organisations to implement strategies in procurement to reduce carbon impact.
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Caroline Lewis
Director
Internationally experienced B2B business professional with over 30 years' of experience, focused on strategic sales & marketing, business & client development and organic business growth. Helping to expand existing business operations into new markets, win new business and mobilise projects.
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Huw Watkin
Director
A committed and motivated leader who is passionate about making a difference. An effective team player with a blend of skills and judgement to deliver consistently valuable propositions and resourceful solutions. One of the founding Directors behind the establishment of Wales’ leading innovation management consultancy, providing leadership and strategic development to deliver sustained growth.
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James Davies
Director
James is an accomplished business leader and member of the Economic Ministerial Advisory Board. Formerly SVP at CalsonicKansei with a global sales remit, he was CEO of Industry Wales and is an honorary fellow of University of Wales Trinity St David. James holds advisory roles across education, regional economic strategies, and technology initiatives.