Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid took part in the sixth Wales Week London on St David’s Day.

Wales Week London takes place annually and provides an opportunity to celebrate and promote Wales in the UK capital. The showcase allows Welsh businesses and organisations to connect and build partnerships with London-based audiences at events in February and March.

The Chamber supported the British Business Bank, City of London Corporation, Department of Business and Trade, and Welsh Government to deliver a fintech showcase event ‘Investing in Future Wales’ at the Guildhall in London.

Over 100 delegates attended the event which began with opening remarks from Louise O’Shea, CEO of confused.com; Sir William Russell, Lord Mayor Locum Tenens; and Lord Johnson.

Following the welcome, Sarah Williams-Gardener, CEO of Fintech Wales, hosted a panel discussion on the prospects of fintech in Wales with established and growing business leaders in the sector.

The panel included Alex Frean, CCAO at Starling Bank; Edward Keelan, Investment Principal of Octopus Ventures; Gareth Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO of Delio; Louise Towers, CFO at Bikmo; and Sina Yamani, CEO at Yoello.

Seven innovative, high growth fintech businesses then had the opportunity to pitch to the room and present investment opportunities. Delegates watched in interest as Credit Canary, Driverly, Dynamo Cover, EthicsGrade, Mazuma GB, ShipShape and Voltric showcased their businesses ahead of closing remarks from Charlotte Crosswell, Chair of CFIT and Louis Taylor, CEO of British Business Bank.

An ’Investing in Future Wales’ networking event organised by the Chamber and sponsored by Blake Morgan LLP took place at nearby bar and restaurant The Anthologist following the pitching event.

The event provided attendees with the opportunity to meet and connect with other businesses and organisations, as well as investors, interested in the future of the fintech sector in Wales.

Rugby insights were also shared during the evening with Philip Jardine, Partner and Head of Property Services Group in Wales, the Thames Valley and London at Blake Morgan LLP, in conversation with special guest Adam Jones, a former Welsh international rugby player who now has a coaching role at Harlequins in London.

Nikki Williams, Events Manager at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “Fintech is a growing and thriving sector in Wales and we really wanted to highlight the strength of this sector to new London audiences and potential investors as part of Wales Week London.

“We were delighted to support British Business Bank’s Investing in Future Wales pitching event along with local authorities and governments before hosting our own networking event to build upon those earlier discussions. We’d like to thank Blake Morgan LLP for sponsoring the event and helping us provide a space where Welsh businesses could leave their mark on London.”