Only Boys Aloud at the A&B Cymru Awards 2011
For over two decades Arts & Business Cymru has worked as part of a UK wide organisation. From today, it is able to further tailor its activity to the specific needs of Wales by becoming an independent charity.
Arts & Business Cymru specialises in brokering and developing sustainable relationships between the private sector and the arts, playing a valuable role in the country’s economy. From offices in Cardiff and Llandudno, it works with businesses ranging from multi nationals to sole traders and flagship arts organisations to individual artists. It is the specialist in partnering both sectors to address issues of business growth, corporate social responsibility and staff training, development and retention.
Under the leadership of its Chief Executive, Rachel Jones, A&B Cymru has been key to the success of many arts projects. Among the most notable was the brokering of the partnership between the Principality Building Society and Only Boys Aloud. The initial sponsorship in Summer 2010 brought such benefit to both partners that it quickly grew into a substantial 3 year deal. The Choir, which engages teenagers from across the South Wales Valleys, already has 200 members and, thanks to Principality, this valuable initiative has a bright future.
A Welsh Board of Trustees has been established under the chairmanship of Huw Roberts, who chaired the A&B Cymru Advisory Committee for 2 years. Recently retired from his role as Director of Welsh Affairs at the Royal Mail, Huw has an impressive business and political network.
Other founding members of the A&B Cymru board include: Simon King, Managing Director, Core Matters; Alison Love who recently left her position as a Partner at Hugh James to set up her own business Alison Love Limited; Samantha Maskrey, Director, Present Choices and Lynne Sheehy, CSR Manager, Legal & General. Each member has supported A&B Cymru for many years through membership of the advisory committee and proactive involvement with its work.
The devolved Arts & Business Cymru is already forging ahead with new programmes of work, as well as working tirelessly to ensure that the service to all members remains unaffected during this transition.