GUEST COLUMN:
Terry Evetts
Head of Group Privacy and UK Data Protection Officer
Admiral
I’ve had the privilege of speaking at many events over the years, but hosting Admiral’s Data Unleashed: Fuelling Welsh Growth Through Innovation and Trust session at Wales Week London felt different.
It wasn’t just another panel, and it wasn’t another discussion about data. It was a moment to pause and take stock of just how far we’ve come and how far we can go when it comes to unlocking the value of data responsibly, particularly in Wales.
Being in the room surrounded by leaders across business and regulation, I noticed how aligned we all were on one fundamental point: trust is the backbone of a thriving data economy. Without trust, nothing else works. Not innovation, not collaboration, not digital transformation. Trust is the currency that unlocks everything else.
When I stepped up to introduce the session, I wanted to set a tone that was both ambitious and grounded. I talked about the shift we’re seeing in Wales and beyond, about organisations increasingly treating data as a strategic asset, not just something to be governed or protected. And that shift comes with new responsibilities, but also huge opportunities. That balance is where my role lives, and it’s why I’m so passionate about what we do at Admiral as a champion for Trust.
Moderating the panel with Georgina Graham from Osborne Clarke and David Teague from the Information Commissioner’s Office’s Welsh Affairs team was a real highlight. Both brought a combination of pragmatism and optimism that mirrored what I see every day in our industry. Georgina talked about the way businesses are using data more strategically and how expectations from customers, investors and partners are evolving rapidly. David reminded us that regulation isn’t an obstacle to economic growth, it’s an enabler, especially when approached with clarity and transparency.
One moment that stuck with me came early in the conversation, when we explored how privacy and data protection can support innovation rather than slow it down. There’s still a belief in parts of the business world that regulation is there to say “no.” But the reality and certainly the direction the ICO is moving in is about giving organisations the confidence to innovate safely. David’s description of data protection laws as the “how to,” rather than the “what not to do”, summed it up perfectly.
At Admiral, we’re living that balance every day. Our strategy is increasingly data driven, and it helps us deliver better outcomes for customers. Better insight means better decisions. But that only works if the data is accurate, governed effectively, and underpinned by strong privacy controls. That’s why we’ve expanded our data governance programme and strengthened our combined approach to data quality and privacy, an initiative I’m proud to lead.
Another theme that resonated deeply with me was skills. The demand for data expertise is increasing across Wales. Hybrid working, digital transformation and new technology have fundamentally reshaped what organisations need. It’s something we’re seeing firsthand at Admiral, and it’s why initiatives like our Data Academy are so important. They go beyond nice-to-haves; they’re investments in building long-term talent.
The panel’s discussion on the growing job market and opportunities for Welsh talent made me particularly proud. Wales is no longer seen as an alternative location for tech roles – it’s becoming first-choice. Hearing David talk about the ICO’s expanded Cardiff presence reinforced that this growth is real. Data talent wants to live here and organisations want to grow here. And hybrid working means Wales now exports digital excellence across the UK and beyond.
When the session opened to audience questions, the excitement in the room was clear. People weren’t looking for high level theory; they wanted practical advice, real examples, and reassurance that collaboration is possible. And that’s exactly what Wales Week London is about. It brings people together. It sparks new relationships. It accelerates conversations that might otherwise take months to get off the ground.
For me personally, the event reaffirmed why I love the work I do: helping people and organisations unlock data’s potential safely, responsibly, and with confidence, putting the customer at the heart of all we do. Wales has all the ingredients to lead in this space. And I’m proud of Admiral’s part to play in that.
