Advisory Group
Jason Davies
Cyber Wales
Jason is the co-founder of Cyber Wales and has been developing secure web applications and advising companies on their cyber security for over 15 years. After spending his early years in the military, Jason went on to set up and run his own business in Wales giving him an understanding of the unique cyber challenges which are faced by SMEs in the region. He is passionate about helping to spread best practice and real-world solutions to these SMEs and believes that ‘secure’ should not mean ‘complex’.
Jason’s passion for both cyber and Wales led him to form the North Wales Cyber Security Cluster in June 2015, as a part of the Cyber Wales Ecosystem which now totals over 2,500 members with international collaborations across more than 30 countries. Jason is also an NCSC i100 industry secondee and also a CyberFirst Ambassador and police cyber volunteer. He lectures in cyber security and secure development for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as assisting with the training of army reservists in cyber capabilities.
Paul Butterworth
Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid
Paul is chief executive for Chambers Wales, the Chamber of Commerce for Mid & South Wales.
Chambers Wales is a business representative organisation that helps Welsh businesses across every sector build relationships on every level. We connect and promote your business with other businesses, with decision makers and with opportunities locally, nationally and internationally.
Chambers Wales is the company for companies.
Paul thrives on promoting and connecting Welsh businesses to celebrate their successes and is a keen advocate for talking about addressing the skills gap and journey to net zero.
He has spent the last 20+ years in the events industry working with the WRU and Wembley Stadium, managing global events such as the Champions League Final, Heineken Cup Finals, FA Cup Finals and Six Nations events and has a wealth of experience in membership service delivery in Wales and across the UK.
Paul now spends weekends supporting his local rugby club, Llandaff RFC and coaches his sons football team, the mighty Ely Rangers.
Mike Learmond
Federation of Small Businesses Wales
Mike Learmond is senior development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales, with particular responsibility for North Wales.
FSB is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. FSB is non-profit making and non-party political and supports its members through a comprehensive range of member benefits that are designed to save members money and protect against tax and legal problems.
Mike is responsible for ensuring that the needs of small businesses in the region are maintained as a high priority on the political agenda and also to help signpost FSB members where to obtain help when they need it.
He is spokesperson and first point of contact for the FSB in North Wales and his role includes lobbying politicians on behalf of smaller businesses, dealing with the media, representing the FSB at various groups and events and supporting an army of volunteers who organise everything from networking evenings to political debates for FSB members throughout the region.
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David Teague
ICO
David is responsible for the operation of the ICO Wales office in Cardiff. His team works with stakeholders across Wales in relation to all aspects of information rights legislation, providing advice and guidance on compliance to both the public and to organisations. The team also proactively works with public sector bodies to help them develop policies that incorporate and uphold information rights, and ensure that matters specific to Wales are reflected in the wider regulatory work of the ICO.
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Michael Groves
Welsh Government
Michael is the programme director for digital economy within Welsh Government’s Economy, Science and Natural Resource Directorate. After a career start based in London working internationally with the aviation industry, he then spent time working with emerging technology providers and investment institutions. Michael returned to Wales in 2002 and joined the Welsh Development Agency prior to its functions transferring to Welsh Government in 2006.
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Since that time, Michael has focused his attention on increasing digital maturity in Welsh businesses by creating and operationally delivering initiatives that focus on digital adoption and exploitation as a catalyst for broader economic benefit.
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With a portfolio including the Welsh Government’s pan-Wales ‘Superfast Business Wales’ digital support programme, Michael sees being part of the advisory group for the Wales Cyber Resilience Centre as a vital opportunity for collaboration and shared intelligence between the two support mechanisms in Wales.
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Jim Jones
Go North Wales
Jim Jones is the CEO of North Wales Tourism, the chair of the North Wales & Mersey Dee Business Council and vice-chair of the Welsh Tourism Alliance.
A varied career, from early days in the military, many years in the public sector preceeded taking up his current post as CEO of North Wales Tourism five years ago. North Wales Tourism is the regional destination management organisation for North Wales, representing both the private and public sector with a membership in excess of 1500 members (pre-pandemic) with the aim to promote North Wales as a dynamic tourism destination.
Ian Tumelty
Cardiff Against Business Crime
After thirty years working in Cardiff with South Wales Police where he attained the rank of inspector, Ian worked with the Home Office’s 'Ending Gangs and Serious Youth Violence’ programme as independent advisor and as a member of its peer review team.
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During his police career he had leading roles in national and local multi-agency projects to reduce knife crime and alcohol-related violence. Ian has five years’ experience as business crime reduction manager at FOR Cardiff Business Improvement District (BID) and is the current chair of the Wales Against Business Crime Group and a director of the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships.
Chris Coughlan
Capital Law
Chris Coughlan is a senior associate in the commercial team at Capital Law and heads up its cross departmental technology sector. Chris advises clients on a wide variety of technology matters, including IT outsourcing arrangements; AI platform developments; disruptive fintech and insuretech products; and innovative products in the energy management and wider green tech space.
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Chris is a committee member of the South West Group of the Society for Computers and Law (SCL) and passionate about promoting technology in the law.
John Lloyd-Jones
Metro Bank
John is a farmer's son from Llanddewi Brefi, Ceredigion. He joined HSBC bank in 1986 and worked in a number of branches in West Wales before being selected for the bank's graduate programme in London in 1991.
Whilst in London John gained experience in a number of different bank departments, including private banking, treasury, business banking and premier banking.
In 2003 he returned to Cardiff and took up the position of regional public relations manager for HSBC Bank's divisional management centre for Wales, the South West and Northern Ireland.
In 2011 John left HSBC and moved to Grant Thornton as an associate director. His role involved looking after existing customers, public relations, relationship building and business development for the business in Wales.
In 2019 he moved to Metro Bank and is currently the local director.
Dewi Gaylard
Orangebox
Dewi Gaylard is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience and a passion for IT transformation and cybersecurity. With a career spanning over two decades, Dewi has been an integral part of the IT industry since 2000, and since 2014, he has excelled in various roles.
Having held the position of head of IT at prominent organisations like Cardiff International Airport and the Development Bank of Wales, Dewi has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead and manage teams effectively. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving technological advancements, ensuring smooth operations, and delivering tangible results.
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Currently serving as the technology manager for Orangebox Ltd, Dewi continues to leverage his expertise to implement innovative solutions that foster IT transformation. His focus is on enabling the workforce, enhanced productivity, cyber security, and optimised business processes.
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Dewi's notable contributions extend beyond his managerial responsibilities. He has been instrumental in developing and implementing award-winning IT transformation projects that have empowered the workforce and enabled organisations to thrive in the digital age.
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Beyond his technical acumen, Dewi recognises the significance of building a strong and just cyber security culture within organisations. With a deep understanding of the evolving cyber security landscape, he actively seeks opportunities to drive positive change and create a secure environment for businesses to thrive.
Dewi’s commitment to IT excellence, coupled with his proficiency in cyber security, positions him as an asset in today's technology-driven world. His ability to drive IT transformation, empower the workforce, and build a strong cybersecurity culture makes him an invaluable contributor to organisations seeking to stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape.