The founder of price comparison firm GoCompare, Hayley Parsons, has taken up a new role holding the UK Government account on the delivery of its flagship Industrial Strategy policy.
Newport-born Ms Hayley, who turned Gocompare from a start-up into one of the UK's leading price comparison and technology firms, has been appointed to the new and independent Industrial Strategy Council.
It will monitor the impact that the the UK Government's Industrial Strategy has in improving productivity levels in the economy.
While not a devolved matter, the Welsh Government's own strategy on innovation and the improving the competitiveness of the Welsh economy, will seek, where possible, alignment with the UK's Government Industrial Strategy.
Senior individuals from business, academia and civil society from all corners of the UK complete the line-up, joining the chief economist of the Bank of England, Andy Haldane, who will chair the council.
Other council members include founder of Emma Bridgewater Ceramics, Emma Bridgewater, Archie Norman (M&S chair), Professor Juergen Maier (chief executive of Siemens plc) and Jayne-Anne Gadhia (ex-chief executive, Virgin Money).
On her appointment Ms Parsons, said: “Wales is a thriving and innovative country, with people who have a fantastic work ethic and so I am thrilled to be representing the Welsh contingent on the council.
“I don’t think there is a shortage of talent in the business world, but we need to ensure the environment is right for entrepreneurs to thrive in the UK, as set out in the Industrial Strategy.
"I know I will be keen to see how the council can help businesses not only survive, but prosper in the UK.”
The remit of the council will include reviewing the impact of the Industrial Strategy to date and its contribution to UK economic growth.
It will also recommend a series of success measures for the implementation of the Industrial Strategy, which aims to boost productivity by backing businesses to create good jobs and increase the earning power of people throughout the UK.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: "Our modern Industrial Strategy is key to building a successful economy that works for everyone and creating high-quality jobs across the UK.
"This council gathers some of the most influential figures in business, academia, and civil society.
"Together, they will share their expertise and skills to measure the progress of our strategy and ensure it is boosting people’s wages and improving productivity of British businesses."
