Keynote Speakers

Our keynote speakers come from a range of backgrounds - government, the private sector, public sector and social enterprise - but they will all provide an inspiring and challenging perspective on the role of dynamic social businesses in a thriving and prosperous Wales.

Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, was born in 1976 in Wrexham, educated at Mold Alun School and went on to study Social and Political Science at Cambridge University. In his free time, Ken enjoys running, swimming, hiking and golf as well as having an interest in gardening, art and architecture. Ken was previously a journalist and assistant to Mark Tami MP. In 2008, he was elected a community councillor. Ken’s policy interests include manufacturing, mental health, sport and leisure, eliminating poverty and political economy. His political interests include skills training, tourism, environmental protection, mental health, sport and fitness and social inclusion. In June 2013 Ken Skates was appointed Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology. In September 2014, Ken was appointed Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism. In May 2016 he was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure.

Sophie Howe was appointed as the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales in February 2016.  Her role is to act as a guardian for the interests of future generations in Wales, and to support the public bodies listed in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 to work towards achieving the well-being goals. Prior to this role, Sophie was the first Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales. In this role, she led programmes to tackle violent crime and violence against women and girls, focusing on early intervention and partnership working. She reformed programmes on substance misuse and offender management and negotiated the first shared work programme between Public Health Wales and South Wales Police. Sophie has also served as a Government Special Adviser providing policy and political advice on communities, local government, community safety, housing, regeneration and equality. She is currently a member of the Wales Committee of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Andy Middleton is Founder Director of the TYF Group, an innovative and visionary social enterprise based in St.Davids, Pembrokeshire. TYF are a B Corp with a mission to train revolutionaries – giving parents, families, teams and leaders from all sectors the drive and passion to change the way they play, think and connect with nature. TYF’s goals include helping businesses maximise the impact of their CSR activities for community and future generations. Andy is a Board Member of Natural Resources Wales and member of the Innovation Advisory Council for Wales. As a Founding Partner of the Do Lectures, and coordinator of the Do Collective, he works with organisations to connect what they do to the speed and scale of change that’s needed, drawing on 25 years’ experience in risk, action learning, biomimicry and sustainability.

Rachael Flanagan, Founder Director of Mrs Bucket, is a multi-award winning and celebrated young entrepreneur with an incredible business growth story. At 16, Rachael had no idea what she wanted to do but fate intervened one day, when their domestic cleaner did not turn up and Rachael offered to do the cleaning for her mother. Through sheer hard work and good business acumen, nine years on Rachael has a staff of 200, servicing over 150 commercial premises on a daily basis. In recognition of her business success, Rachael has attended special receptions with the former Secretary of State for Wales Rt Hon Cheryl Gillan MP and the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. Early 2014 Rachael was handpicked by the Prince of Wales as one of Wales' leading business people to attend a celebratory event during the NATO summit. Rachael is a fascinating and inspirational speaker and the enthusiasm she displays for business is infectious.

Down to Earth - Based in the Gower, Down to Earth has been delivering training and development programmes for ten years and is fast growing a reputation as an example of best practice for wokring with people living in challenging circumstances. Co-founder, Mark McKenna will be introducing a couple of individuals who have had their lives transformed by the social enterprise to remind us all just how valuable this sector is to the local economy and our communities.