About

Ken is the Head of Economic Development at Cardiff Council.  He is responsible for the implementation of Cardiff Council's economic strategy. Ken has worked with many of the city’s leading businesses to set up in Cardiff and on key regeneration initiatives for the Council, which will have a transformational impact on the City and region. Ken also coordinates the Council’s UK and overseas business marketing initiatives to promote the city.

Mike Fowler FCCA is Group Finance Director for Leekes Retail, Leisure and Property Group, a diverse group of companies operating in the home retail, hotel and leisure, spirits distilling and property sectors, a role he has been in for over 21 years. Mike is responsible for a wide range of commercial negotiations and decision making for the group , liaising with the key stakeholders including its two banks and overseeing the finance function for all group companies.

Prior to joining the Leekes Group, Mike qualified as an ACCA Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in Cardiff where he spent 10 years as a Senior Manager in the Business Services department.

Mike is married with two children and is a keen sports fan and regular squash player.

Emma is a Director and founder of Recruit 121 Finance & Fintech, a recruitment company based in Cardiff. She has 20+ years’ experience in recruiting in the UK but is particularly passionate about attracting and retaining talent in Wales. Emma has a tapestry of experience from start ups and opening new offices and locations, to developing and training teams at all levels. Investing in people and helping people enhance their career is one of her passions.

Emma is also a Director of Finance Awards Wales and Fintech Awards Wales, ceremonies that recognises and celebrates the fintech and finance talent we have here in Wales.

Mark is Group CFO of Propel Finance plc, a specialist tech led Asset Finance provider into UK SMEs.  Mark has 15 years’ experience operating at a UK and European senior executive level across auto and asset finance sectors, having previously spent over a decade with GM Financial. With a reputation for transforming teams and delivering exceptional added value through those teams, Mark has consistently driven significant financial and operational change and innovation.  Mark also sits on the Board of the Welsh Sports Association and the Council of Aberystwyth University, reflecting a passion for the development of sport and education within Wales.  A family man with two teenage daughters, Mark balances a busy work life with cycling, running and the odd game of golf.

Sally is Director of Finance at Confused.com, the UK’s first insurance comparison site.  With over 20 years’ experience operating across finance and operations in multiple sized organisations, from large FTSE 100 companies to highly innovative fast growing businesses, Sally joined Confused.com in 2023, inspired by its mission to help consumers make confident decisions when buying their insurance and financial products. Aside from helping consumers, Sally is also incredibly passionate about motivating and developing teams, both within Confused.com and the wider industry, to realise their potential.  Sally also sits on the Board of TOTM, a Cardiff based, purpose-led brand that offers better, more sustainable ways to manage periods, reflecting her passion for sustainability and busting age-old taboos around menstruation.  Outside of work, Sally loves spending her time with her family, and can frequently be found (or heard!) supporting her children from the sidelines in their rugby and hockey activities as well as squeezing in travelling to visit and experience new cultures.

Vicky Rose serves as CFO and Company Secretary at Optimum Finance, a leading SME invoice finance lender in Bristol. Recognised as the 2018 Financial Controller of the Year at the Finance Awards Wales, Vicky brings a wealth of experience across diverse sectors, including retail, manufacturing, business-to-business lending, and fintech startups. A key figure in Optimum's impressive growth over the last two years, Vicky has a proven track record in navigating high-growth environments, managing complex group structures, successful acquisitions, startups, and demergers. In her role, she adeptly juggles multiple responsibilities, overseeing HR and IT functions. Vicky Rose's dynamic leadership and strategic prowess contribute significantly to Optimum Finance's ongoing success.
 
Known for her precision in financial analysis, Vicky's strategic vision and commitment to excellence have consistently driven operational efficiencies, optimising organisational performance. Vicky stands as a dynamic force in the world of finance, blending technical acumen with a forward-thinking mindset to achieve sustained growth and success.