GUEST COLUMN:
Sharon James-Evans
Principal, Cardiff and Vale College
Board Member, Cardiff Business Club
When I was first invited to join the Board of Cardiff Business Club, I felt a real sense of pride. It is a great honour to be part of the Club’s rich history, but also to be part of its future, as we look to create ever-stronger links between the business community and the communities we serve.
As principal of Cardiff and Vale College, social mobility is something I feel deeply passionate about. I often share my own background, growing up on the Gurnos Estate in Merthyr Tydfil, to show young people that barriers can be overcome. Just a few months ago, I found myself sitting next to the Governor of the Bank of England at a Club lunch. That moment was not lost on me. It shows that barriers can be broken, opportunities can be created, and that talent can thrive when it is given the right support.
That belief – that everyone is welcome, and that everyone can benefit – is exactly why Cardiff Business Club is so important to me. It provides a platform where people from all backgrounds can come together, connect, and be inspired.
The College is proud to host several Club events each year at The Classroom, our training restaurant. It gives our students the invaluable opportunity to meet successful business people and hear their stories first-hand. It is not only about giving young people confidence; it is about showing them that they belong in these rooms, and that their aspirations are valid. It is also about giving our team vital connections to business leaders who offer insights we use to shape our curriculum. By listening carefully to the needs of the business community, we can ensure we are creating the workforce of tomorrow.
The Club’s commitment to nurturing potential was seen recently when a bursary was awarded to one of our former students, Ruby Pile, who had represented Wales at the WorldSkills finals. Ruby is a shining example of how ambition, hard work and the right support can take you anywhere. The Club’s support for her was not just financial; it was a powerful signal that her talent is recognised and valued.
For me, being part of Cardiff Business Club has been hugely rewarding, both professionally and personally. I have met people who have challenged my thinking, sparked new ideas, and inspired me to do more. Networking is not just an investment in your business. It is an investment in yourself.
I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to come and join the conversation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
- Sharon James-Evans talks about this and more in the inaugural episode of the Cardiff Business Club podcast. Listen here: Cardiff Business Club: Podcast Series – Business News Wales
