Penderyn whisky chief executive to headline business event in Wrexham

The pioneer of an acclaimed business development programme is to headline an event in Wrexham next week.

Professor Brian Morgan will be joined at the 20Twenty Business Growth forum by Stephen Davies, chief executive of the award-winning Penderyn Distillery.

Professor Morgan, who specialises in Entrepreneurship at Cardiff Metropolitan University and founded the 20Twenty initiative, will deliver a talk on its benefits, including the vast impact the courses have had on the economy and careers of hundreds of participants.

Targeting firms in Flintshire, Powys and Wrexham, part of its success comes down to the support companies receive in funding; Up to 70 per cent of the cost comes via the European Social Fund through Welsh Government.

Launched at Cardiff Metropolitan University eight years ago, more than 600 businesses in South Wales have already embarked on the programme, including 10% of the top 300 firms in the country.

“Participants of the programme have reported growth in revenues and employment, and collectively have contributed tens of millions of pounds to the Welsh economy,” said Professor Morgan.

“The 20Twenty success story is just one example of how we can contribute to society by bringing business communities together with academic and practical expertise to create tangible economic benefits.”

20Twenty Project Manager Gwenllian Owen added: “It is a huge honour to have Professor Morgan headline this talk in North Wales, and for business owners to hear firsthand what a positive impact it will have on their companies and workforces.

“We are always looking to recruit ambitious organisations onto our courses and the response in past years has been incredible, notably from the manufacturing sector.

“To have Stephen Davies with us is also a privilege, given the huge success of Penderyn and the contribution it continues to make to the Welsh economy as one of our leading global brands.”

Mr Davies said: “I’m looking forward to discussing brand building and the challenges of business development and creating long term business value with 20Twenty North Wales.”

The event will be held in the Orchard Suite at Holt Lodge in Wrexham from 5pm-7pm on Tuesday June 26.

The 20Twenty Business Growth Programme offers a range of recognised leadership qualifications from Level 3 through to Level 7, all of which are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

For more information, call 01248 388823 or email [email protected]. Further details can also be found here.