Dean Ward has been appointed to lead transformational change as new Chair of the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership (RLSP) for South West Wales.
Dean, the CEO and Founder of PropSmarts and DCW Group, brings over 24 years of industry expertise to the role. Dean has been an active member of the RLSP, serving as the RLSP Construction Chair and leading the group to significant success.
Dean is a distinguished leader in the property sector. He is an industry expert in land, development and sales strategy, having worked for large businesses such as Barratt Homes, Countrywide Residential Development, and Wates Residential working closely on the successful Cardiff living project. In 2018, he founded PropSmarts, a property technology company that leverages data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
In addition to leading PropSmarts, Dean runs DCW Group, a consultancy business that provides housing development advice, transactional advice and EPC and Retrofit assessments.
Covering Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea, the RLSP works to bridge the gap between education, skills, and regeneration to create a strong and vibrant economy.
Dean Ward said:
“I am truly honoured to take on the role of Chair for the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership for South West Wales. This region has immense potential, and I look forward to working closely with partners to drive innovation, improve skills, and support local businesses in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. The RLSP plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between education, industry, and economic growth. One of the key priorities I see for our region is fostering greater cross-collaboration between the education sector and businesses, ensuring that both are aligned in addressing the evolving needs of the workforce. Equally important is our focus on bringing more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the table. With SMEs making up 60% of employers in Wales, it is imperative that we address the skills gaps across all sectors by empowering these smaller entities. Their needs and challenges must be central to our strategy, as they play a pivotal role in driving Wales' economic success and resilience.”