Some of the UK’s major professional bodies have come together to form an important new professional network in Wales.
Professions Group Wales will provide a new voice in the business landscape in Wales drawing on the experiences of more than 12,000 professionals across the country.
The membership of Professions Group Wales comprises Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Institute of Financial Planning (IFP), Law Society in England and Wales and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
In convening the group, Ben Cottam, Head of ACCA Wales stated:
“We know that the professions have a pivotal role to play in generating a strong and resilient Welsh economy. Professionals across these disciplines are often the most effective barometer of business health having in-depth and long-lasting relationships with their client businesses.
“However, the professions also have other positive roles to play in generating and contributing to debate about the Welsh economy and improving skills development for instance as well as important perspectives on how Wales’ businesses can best be supported”.
Professions Group Wales is also seeking to use this new partnership to underscore the importance of social mobility in Wales.
Cottam added “This week is designated as Professions Week in the UK when we recognise the contribution and opportunities presented by the professions. Social mobility lies at the heart of this and so there is no better time to start a conversation about the opportunities posed by professional careers for people of all backgrounds in Wales and to engage the next generation in this.
“As well as acting as a collective voice for the professions and engaging the Welsh Government and other key decision makers, Professions Group Wales will also serve as an umbrella group under which to bring together a range of professional disciplines to network and discuss key issues for business and society.
“The willingness of these professional bodies to work together I think demonstrates the desire of their memberships to contribute to a wider dialogue about developing the Welsh economy,” says Cottam.
“At a time when the Welsh Government is focusing a lot of effort on the development of financial and professional services and other key sectors, it is important that professionals from within those sectors have an opportunity to come together and contribute.”