Gambit Corporate Finance's Frank Holmes is a member of the Cardiff Business Council Advisory Board which recently met to discuss the city's projected 40% population growth over the next 20 years with Chris Luebkeman, Arup Global Foresight, Innovation and Incubation Group leader.
The Advisory Board, which has been set up to drive and shape the continuing economic development of the Cardiff Capital Region, discussed how an integrated approach to urban regeneration can build a new framework for sustainable development. Cardiff's projected population growth will provide significant challenges and opportunities for the city and the region and Cardiff Business Council wanted to take advantage of Chris's visit to Cardiff to tap into his international experience.
Chris' research into the drivers of change and his experiences in strategic planning have enabled him to specialise in being a generalist with a view to being "in league with the future". He was visiting Cardiff as part of his global role to support Arup and its clients around the world.
Commenting on Cardiff and the Council's vision to establish a Business Council Chris Luebkeman said:
"Cardiff is a leading European Capital city, as the economy recovers, investors want to engage with Capitals which are capable of responding to their needs quickly offering a competitive package of opportunities and vision.
"Cardiff council's new economic vision and leadership has recognised this. The new Cardiff Business Council is going to play a big part in supporting the next phase of development of Cardiff and its Capital Region ARUP's operation in Cardiff as a key division of its global operation, and we are fully committed to using our networks and market intelligence to help Cardiff and its Capital Region compete globally.
"I would encourage Cardiff to make links with cities of a similar size in North America and Europe which have gone through a regeneration process and to take on board lessons of best practice."
Cardiff Business Council Board Member, Frank Holmes of Gambit Corporate Finance added:
"The discussion was very stimulating, the views form the ARUP team on the importance of innovation in driving growth and the opportunity for Cardiff to take best practice lessons from other cities very insightful.
"Overall the meeting highlighted the challenges we face in promoting and marketing Cardiff but also reaffirmed the advantages of collaboration and a shared vision."
The Board will be developing a programme of events in the region, London and in key territories around the world to sell Cardiff as a preferred destination for Business. In doing so it will also showcase the skills and talents of organisations and individuals in the region as suppliers in to businesses in these destinations, exporting the talents of its members to these key markets.
