Cooke & Arkwright
News
Property forum tribute to business development officer
26/05/2010
Cooke & Arkwright hosted a retirement buffet at its Cardiff offices for Roy Edwards on Wednesday 12th May, attended by members of Cardiff Commercial Property Forum. Mr Edwards was a founding member of the Forum along with our Chairman, Roger Thomas, six years ago. Roy worked for Cardiff County Council for 43 years, during which time he gained a Masters degree in Regional and Local Economic Development.
He had been Principal Business Development Officer in the Economic Development Division since 1992 and worked closely with Cardiff’s property agents building good links between the public and private sectors.
Mr Edwards was instrumental in setting up the Cardiff / Newport Contact Centre Initiative in the early ‘90s in association with Newport Council, the Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff Bay Development Corporation and the TEC’s, which led to the attraction of many contact centres to the city and the surrounding region. At this year’s Contact Centre Awards, held at City Hall, he was presented with the prestigious ‘Industry Champion Award’ in view of his ongoing work with the Contact Centre industry.
Mr Edwards says that he has seen the economic and development landscapes in south Wales change radically over the last 40 years, from an 80% manufacturing base to 90% service sector. Cardiff Bay has been transformed and the city has developed as a sporting venue. “Working closely with property developers and agents has augmented Cardiff’s position and attracted development,” he said. “Important as it is to ensure a spread of business around Wales, it is vital to have a strong centre in our capital city. We must keep promoting Cardiff.”
Mr Edwards plans to enjoy his hobbies and will also maintain his business links with many in the private sector through his role as associate with a new company.
Pictured: Roy Edwards front, with some of the members at his retirement buffet, from l to r: Steve Matheson, Lambert Smith Hampton; Andrew Haynes, King Struge; Alex Easton, DTZ; Rhydian Morris, Knight Frank; John James, Fletcher Morgan; Anthony James, Freshwater Wales; Roger Thomas, Cooke & Arkwright; Bruce Morris, Merlin Freshwater; David Williams, Emanuel Jones; Simon Watson-James, E J Hales; and Amanda Jax Green, Welsh Assembly Government