The Centre for Business, Wales’ longest established business support organisation, has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of a new director.
Keith Brereton, 54, from Swansea, joins the organisation from Business in Focus where he was regional manager for the Welsh Government funded Business Wales Service. He brings to the position a wealth of experience working within industry in business support and development roles.
Having started his career with Ford Motor Company, Mr Brereton has worked in various management positions, applying his hands-on knowledge to developing business support solutions. In his new role he will over-see a team of 35 and be responsible for growing the Centre for Business’ portfolio of business support contracts, products and services.
The Centre for Business is a non-profit making organisation delivering a comprehensive suite of business support programs on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Mr Brereton said: “I feel strongly that if we are serious about improving the economy, we need to tap into and cultivate home-grown talent, and the Centre for Business has been doing this for more than 30 years. It is a fantastic resource for businesses in Wales, with a success rate that is far higher than the UK average when it comes to new business start-ups.
“I have spent my career working to support and develop businesses across many different sectors and I am looking forward to combining my experience with the considerable talent of the Centre for Business team, to develop the services for the future.
“The Centre for Business is currently Wales’ most established business support organisation and I cannot see any reason why it should not become one of the leading brands in the UK.”
Speaking of Mr Brereton’s appointment, David Russ, managing director of the Centre for Business, said: “Keith has vast experience in this area and is very passionate about creating opportunities for businesses in Wales to grow.
“He is exactly the sort of person we need in this position and I am certain that he will prove to be a valuable asset, not only to the Centre for Business itself, but to the many budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business people alike who come to us for support and guidance.”
Over the last 30 years, the Centre for Business has helped to create more than 10,000 new businesses and assisted around 25,000 entrepreneurs in south Wales.
Around 83% of new start-ups assisted by the Centre for Business are still operating after three years compared to the national average of just 35%, and since 2005 it has seen a 600% increase in attendance at its business skill seminars.