WALES’ longest established business support organisation has strengthened its management team with the appointment of a new regional business manager for west Wales.

Julian Rowe, 56, has been appointed as the new west Wales manager. He will lead a team in rolling out support services to businesses in the region, as well as driving new commercial contracts.

Mr Rowe, who comes from Bridgend, has worked for the Centre for Business for the last five years.

He began his career as a qualified accountant working within the SME sector across south Wales, where he gained experience in fundraising for business start-ups, business development, and general management.

Having decided to embark on a career change, Mr Rowe joined the Centre for Business back in 2009, working under the Business Wales service and its preceding brands until this appointment.

“The new structure will help us to streamline projects, allowing us to continue to focus on delivering business support services but also pursuing new commercial contracts,” Mr Rowe said.

The Centre for Business is a non-profit making organisation delivering a comprehensive range of business support programmes, including leadership and management training, and marketing support. It also delivers business start-up services on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Over the last 30 years, it has helped to create more than 10,000 new businesses and helped around 25,000 entrepreneurs in South Wales.

Around 83% of new start-ups assisted by the Centre for Business are still operating after three years, compared to the national average of just 35%. Since 2005 it has seen a 600% increase in attendance at its business skills seminars.

For more information go to www.centreforbusiness.co.uk.