The Welsh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting
female entrepreneurs as a key driver of economic growth during
celebrations to mark International Women's Day.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , made the pledge while
visiting Deploy Tech, an innovative Welsh manufacturing company
co-founded by award-winning female entrepreneur, Beren Kayali.
The company in Pontyclun, which produces pioneering portable
water storage tanks used in critical infrastructure
protection/climate resiliency, defence and disaster relief,
demonstrates the innovation and success of female-led businesses
in Wales.
It has received support through the Business Wales Accelerated
Growth Programme to expand into international markets, including
India and Europe.
On her visit, the Economy Secretary said:
"Female entrepreneurs contribute significantly to Wales' economic
success, bringing diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.
From tech start-ups to social enterprises, female business
leaders are shaping the future of our economy.
“Deploy Tech shows exactly how Welsh businesses are delivering
solutions to global challenges while creating high-quality jobs
here in Wales and is the perfect example of what can be achieved
when we support talented women to reach their full potential in
business.”
Beren Kayali said:
"Women are not a quota to fill, we never were. We are
scientists, engineers, lawyers, teachers, doctors – you name it –
full of passion and ambition. We are humans with careers
who've faced countless setbacks, failures, and sleepless nights —
but we kept waking up and kept going."
Following the visit, Beren Kayali joined other successful and
pioneering female business leaders from across Wales for a
roundtable hosted by the Economy Secretary.
The event brought together entrepreneurs who have benefited from
Welsh Government support through Business Wales, Social Business
Wales and Creative Wales to discuss priorities including skills
development and investment opportunities.
The Economy Secretary added:
“We want to help ensure female entrepreneurs can break down
barriers and access targeted support as we build a fairer, more
prosperous Wales where talent and innovation can thrive
regardless of gender."
Notes to editors
Deploy Tech has received
support through the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme
and SMART Cymru funding
Beren Kayali has been featured on the European Forbes 30 Under 30
List, UNICEF's Innovation 30 list and won Vodafone Business'
Woman of the Year Innovation Award
