The 2025/26 season of Cardiff Business Club got off to a lively and insightful start as a full room of business leaders, civic figures, and public sector stakeholders gathered at the elegant Postmaster Suite in The Parkgate Hotel to welcome Martin Fraser, Irish Ambassador to Great Britain.
The event marked not just the start of a new season, but also the beginning of a new chapter for the Club, operating under a refreshed board and in partnership with its new event delivery partner, Engage Sport. The atmosphere reflected a renewed sense of purpose, with conversation flowing from the very first networking reception through to the final coffee of the afternoon.
Ambassador Fraser delivered a thoughtful and wide-ranging keynote, sharing insights from a distinguished diplomatic career that has placed him at the heart of pivotal moments in Irish, British, and European affairs — from the Brexit negotiations and the Covid-19 response to the Northern Ireland Peace Process. His address struck a chord with many in the room, offering both candour and context on the state of international relations, trade, and diplomacy.
A lively Q&A followed, with members and guests engaging in open dialogue on pressing geopolitical and economic matters. The event concluded with a two-course lunch, providing further opportunities for discussion and reconnection among Cardiff’s professional community.
Reflecting on the success of the season opener, Phil Jardine, Chair of Cardiff Business Club, said:
“It was a privilege to welcome Ambassador Fraser to Cardiff and to see such a strong turnout from across our business and civic networks. His insight and experience were hugely valuable, and it set the perfect tone for the year ahead. There was a real energy in the room, a sense that the Club is not only evolving, but that the wider business community is eager to be part of that journey.
“On a personal note, the event held particular significance for me. It marked exactly 40 years to the day since I began my Articles of Clerkship under Richard Hale at Morgan Bruce and Nicholas. To be able to mark that milestone surrounded by colleagues, friends, and fellow members of Cardiff Business Club was both poignant and deeply meaningful. I could think of no better setting to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.
“With a refreshed board, a focus on inclusivity and growth, and a new strategy to enhance our events, we’re entering an exciting chapter for the Club, and this was a fitting start.”
The next event takes place in Sophia Gardens on the 7th October, From Rugby to Business: An Afternoon with Paul Thorburn. The event will commence at 12pm with a networking drinks reception, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals. Paul Thorburn will then deliver a discussion on sport & business followed by an engaging Q&A session taking questions from the floor. Guests will then enjoy a two-course lunch.
To participate, book your tickets here – https://cardiffbusinessclub.org/event/from-rugby-to-business-an-afternoon-with-paul-thorburn/
