This week, we celebrated ten years of the Fast Growth 50. Here is a video interview which I undertook with Sion Barry to discuss the origins and success of the project.
Unlike me, do you consider yourself part of 'the establishment' here in Wales? As thousands gather for the Eisteddfod in Mold this morning, they will, according to some social commentators, not be participating in the greatest cultural festivals of Europe. Instead, they will merely be bit-part players in one of the annual gatherings of the great and good of Wales. Unkindly, this set of the movers and shakers in Welsh society is known as 'the crachach' , and constitute a social class all of their own, dominating the educational, cultural and media sectors of Wales and allegedly looking down upon any outsider with new ideas, reinforcing mediocrity and failing to see beyond the limits of their own narrow experience. They are said to live in a comfort zone that awaits the expected invitation to the next glass of chilled chardonnay and canapés, forgetting that due to their lack of leadership and drive, Wales remains firmly rooted to the bottom of the UK prosperity league ...
Comments
As stated, the piece quoted was written by Sion Barry, business editor of the Western Mail, and I didn't have anything to do with it. Of course, I was naturally flattered by what he said, as Sion normally does not take prisoners.
However, what saddens me is the attempt to belittle the fast growth 50 project, and everything it does for the firms who take part.
The project is apolitical and focuses on the success of indigenous businesses.
It is their comments and those of the business sector which are important.
Let me share two with you which I have received in the last couple of days alone:
“Just wanted to thank you for all your sterling efforts in organizing Friday’s event, and everything that preceded it. My colleague and our wives thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and even though we didn’t win an award found the whole thing engaging and really quite exciting. You have somehow managed to turn a cynic into an enthusiast – I’d like to be able to attend again”.
“This just a note to thank you for the Fast Growth 50 gala dinner on Friday. I really enjoyed being there and that you for making that possible. I thought your setting of the scene speech was absolutely terrific. Apart from setting a very positive atmosphere for the rest of the evening, it reminded me and I’m sure most of us, of the important contribution these companies are making. No message could be more important at this difficult time."
I think that says it all.