Meet the Advisory Board

Nine of Wales’ most prominent figures from business and academia have joined forces to spark this movement – offering inspirational leadership to combine innovation and entrepreneurship and transform Wales into a world-class destination for companies of all sizes.

Daniel Mines

Corporate. Admiral Group

As one of Confused.com’s first five employees, Dan Mines played a leading role as the Cardiff-based insurance comparison site enjoyed years of spectacular growth.

Dr Drew Nelson

Entrepreneur. Founder & CEO, IQE plc

Dr Drew Nelson is founder of Cardiff-based IQE, the world’s leading supplier of wafer products used in the manufacture of almost every smartphone on the planet.

Duncan Hamer

Government. Deputy Director for Entrepreneurship and Delivery, Welsh Government

Duncan Hamer has been Deputy Director for Entrepreneurship and Delivery at Welsh Government for the last four years and is helping to bring REAP to Wales.

Hayley Parsons

Entrepreneur. Founder, GoCompare

As the founder and former CEO of financial services comparison website Go Compare, Hayley Parsons OBE is known as one of the UK’s most successful businesswomen.

James Taylor

Entrepreneur. Founder and CEO, SuperStars

James Taylor is one of Wales’ most successful young entrepreneurs who in 2014 was crowned IoD UK Director of the Year – one the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

Prof. Dylan Jones-Evans

Academic. Assistant Pro-Vice Chancellor (Enterprise), University of South Wales and Commentator

Professor Dylan Jones OBE has been championing entrepreneurship in Wales for the last 20 years and is the creator and director of Wales Fast Growth 50.

Prof. Hilary Lappin-Scott

Academic. Pro Vice-Chancellor, Swansea University

Hilary Lappin-Scott is Senior Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Strategic Development at Swansea University.

Professor Simon J. Gibson, CBE, DSc

Risk Capital. Director, Wesley Clover

Simon is Chairman of the Alacrity Graduate Entrepreneurship Foundation and Chief Executive of Wesley Clover Corporation. Before joining Wesley Clover, he was co-founder, President and CEO of Ubiquity Software Corporation.

Ashley Cooper

Risk Capital. Co-Founder & Director, Catalyst Growth Partners

Ashley Cooper has already created a £100M revenue business from scratch – and now he’s focused on sharing his expertise with the next generation of Wales-based entrepreneurs.