Industry Wales CEO Appointed to Welsh Secretary's Economic Advisory Group
Industry Wales is delighted to announce the appointment of our CEO, Dr Jenifer Baxter, to the newly established Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group.
This influential initiative, launched by the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, aims to strengthen the Welsh economy by attracting investment, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable growth.
The advisory group brings together leading voices from business, industry, academia, and trade unions, tasked with shaping UK government policy to ensure prosperity across Wales. The group’s inaugural meeting took place on 2 December in Cardiff.
Dr Baxter, a renowned expert in energy systems, sustainability, and infrastructure, brings extensive knowledge and experience to the group.
Dr Jenifer Baxter, CEO Diwydiant Cymru / Industry Wales, has been appointed to the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group set up by Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP. Picture credit Diwydiant Cymru / Industry Wales - Alex Feeney
Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales, said:
“My new Economic Advisory Group will harness Welsh talent, ambition and creativity to usher in a new era of prosperity and growth for our nation.
“We are forging a new partnership with businesses, workers and unions to drive growth and put more money in people’s pockets. This is about jobs for you, investment in where you live, opportunities for your children.
“Working alongside the Welsh Government and our industry leaders we will rekindle Wales’s proud industrial roots with the jobs and industries of the future.”
Speaking about her appointment, Dr Jenifer Baxter said:
“Industry Wales looks forward to collaborating on shaping an industrial strategy that harnesses Wales’ strengths in high value manufacturing, clean energy, medical technologies and transport systems to drive innovation, digital connectivity and economic growth across Wales and The UK.”
The group will also work with the Welsh Secretary to inform the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy, Invest 2035, to boost key Welsh industries, and shape Welsh priorities for the next Spending Review, both expected during spring 2025.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Wales has also endorsed the initiative. Alison Orrells, Chair, CBI Wales, said:
“I welcome the opportunity to share our members’ insights on the actions needed to unlock and drive sustainable economic growth and build prosperity in communities across Wales.
“From regional investments and green growth projects, such as the freeports, to semi-conductor clusters, manufacturing and technology, service sector employers to a skilled workforce, Welsh businesses of all sizes and sectors are represented by the CBI and can play an essential role in enabling the government to deliver on its growth mission.”
The inaugural meeting of the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group took place on 2 December in Cardiff.
The group’s initial membership includes:
Alison Orrells, Chair, CBI Wales
Dr Jenifer Baxter, Industry Wales
Ben Francis, Wales Policy Chair, FSB
Shavanah (Shav) Taj, Wales TUC General Secretary
John-Paul (JP) Barker - Lead for West and Wales at PWC
Jessica Hooper, Director, Renewables UK Cymru
Kevin Crofton, Chair of Creo Medical
Oriel Petry, Senior Vice President, Airbus
Professor Paul Boyle, Universities Wales
Sarah Williams-Gardner, Chair of Fintech Wales
Sir Derek Jones, an independent adviser at Cardiff University and on the board of the King’s Trust in Wales, Keolis UK and IQE.