Ministerial advice

Dr Rhian Hayward

Dr Rhian Hayward from Aberystwyth University has been appointed to the Welsh Industrial Development Advisory Board (WIDAB) by the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart.

The WIDAB advises the Minister on financial assistance to industry. Dr Hayward is a member of the Technology Transfer Team at the University’s Commercialisation and Consultancy Services (CCS).

Dr Hayward explains: “I am very pleased to have been selected by the Minister to sit on this Board. There is tremendous activity currently on going in Welsh Government to facilitate innovation in Wales and inward investment to the region.

“WIDAB plays an important role in advising Welsh Government on financial assistance to companies for large capital projects. The applicant companies are often multinational organisations as well as national ‘anchor’ companies and the projects recommended are key to safeguarding jobs and job creation by attracting these industry players to Wales.

“As a WIDAB member I will have the opportunity to interact with all the Sector Teams in Welsh Government tasked with attracting business to our region. I look forward to these interactions and to bringing my university perspective as well as my commercial experience to the Board.”

Prior to joining CCS in 2009, Rhian founded Rhian Hayward Consulting Ltd, advising investors, universities and small and medium sized enterprises on the commercialisation of early stage life science technologies.

Her experience in technology development comes from various commercial roles within the biotechnology industry and technical consultancy work with commercial organisations throughout the UK.

Dr Hayward is one of four appointments made to the Welsh Industrial Development Advisory Board. Also joining the board are Michael Greenway OBE, Michael Macphail and Dr Jo Macpherson.

AU10013

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