Acorn, the leading multi-regional recruitment and training company, which has its UK headquarters in South Wales, is one of 14 businesses from across Wales invited to take part in the major ITV News initiative for 2012.
The panel of the ITV Business Club in Wales is made up of individuals from firms big and small to consider and represent the challenges and hopes that face businesses in the UK today.
The group was unveiled on the ITV Wales Tonight programme with ITV Wales Business Correspondent Carole Green setting the scene for the year-long project.
Along with Acorn, represented by Group Marketing Director, Dan Langford, the panel includes Principality Building Society Chief Operating Officer, Graeme Yorston; Director of the Institute of Directors Wales, Robert Lloyd Griffiths; Federation of Small Businesses Director, Iestyn Davies and Tata Steel Plant Manager, Jon Ferriman.
Dan Langford said: “This is an excellent initiative, one which will bring real value to ITV viewers.
“It’s absolutely fundamental for any reporting about the economy to be well-informed, and for it to reflect directly the insight, fluctuations and complexities that are best gleaned from businesses at the sharp end. As the leading recruitment firm in Wales, placing some 5,000 people into the workplace of hundreds of different organisations every day, Acorn is a perfect bellwether for assessing the movements in the UK economy.
“We’re looking forward to contributing further to the work of the ITV Wales Business Club throughout the year.”
ITV Wales Business Correspondent Carole Green said: “This is going to be a challenging year for the economy and Welsh businesses. The ITV Wales Business Club has brought together a diverse range of companies and traders from right scross Wales to hear at first hand how they are faring.
“It will put business people at the heart of our coverage on Wales Tonight, our key news bulletins and online.”
The ITV Wales panel is one of a number being assembled across the ITV regions looking at the key question of how to make the economy grow. The groups will be reconvened throughout 2012.
Carole added: “Following the fortunes of the same set of business people will allow us to track key trends and issues over time.”
The other members of the ITV Wales Business Club are: Gareth Jenkins, Managing Director FSG Tool and Die Engineering; Jason Carmichael, Building Services, Swansea; Adam Dandy, Managing Director Dandy’s Rock Salt; Cardiff taxi driver Melissa Fulgoni; Pamela Joseph, Commercial Director Bluestone National Park in Pembrokeshire; Property agent Drew Rogers; Yvonne Rodgers, Director, Barnardo’s Cymru; retailer Carole Pugh, from Welshpool; and Martin Davies, Professional Fabrication Services in Holyhead.