Downing Street hosts celebration of Wales’s national day

6 March 2018

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Andrew West, Director of Rating at Cooke & Arkwright, attended a St David’s Day Reception at 10 Downing Street on Thursday 1st March, at the kind invitation of the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP. The Prime Minister Theresa May hosted the event to celebrate Wales’ national day and recognise Wales as a great part of the United Kingdom. Theresa May and Alun Cairns welcomed people from all parts of Wales including figures from Welsh business, politics, sport, charities and the media.

Commenting after the event, Mr West said, “It was a pleasure to attend such a prestigious reception in an iconic building, which is much more impressive inside than out. Mr Cairns and the Prime Minister were charming and the event passed all too quickly.”

The Reception was held in collaboration with Wales Week in London (WWIL) which has been hosting a plethora of events across the city, creating as much noise as possible in the lead up to St David's Day. The culture of Wales was celebrated through many mediums: the Taste of Wales was enjoyed throughout the city at Waitrose, Canary Wharf, Paddington Station and Borough Market. People can still celebrate Welsh food at Hix Soho, where their St David's Day menu is available until 9th March.

Lancaster House hosted the Welsh Government Reception, which was hosted by Ken Skates AM, whilst Acorn Recruitment sponsored a sell-out lunch with Football Association of Wales. Ryan Giggs held his first official engagement as Wales Manager and Ian Rush spoke about his illustrious Welsh footballing career. As St David's Day drew to a close, Guildhall hosted a sell-out St David's Day Dinner that has been held annually since 1904. The London Welsh Male Voice Choir performed at the St David's Day Concert in support of The Passage. The celebrations continued into the night at the St David's Day Gig Night with cawl, Welsh beer and Welsh music. The BAFTA Cymru Fundraising Gala Dinner was held in the Princess Anne Theatre with a three course meal with Welsh ingredients by chef Anton Manganaro, followed by an Apostle Q&A with Gareth Evans and Michael Sheen.

Take a look at the News & Press surrounding Wales Week in London here. There are many events still to com; find out more at What's On and follow their twitter feed  @WalesWeekLondon where you’ll also get further information about sponsors including Cooke & Arkwright, whose support is integral to Wales Week in London. Likewise, the support and efforts of both the Welsh Government and Wales Office have been vital - working collaboratively to showcase everything that is wonderful about modern Wales.

I have worked with Jeremy Symons over the past three years successfully leasing and buying property in support of my business. I continue to be very pleased with his knowledge of the market and expertise. Our relationship over this time has resulted in acquiring 20,000 sq ft at Capital Business Park in Cardiff, leasing 11,000 sq ft at Southpoint, and subsequently leasing an initial 42,000 sq ft at Parc Bedwas, followed by a succession of expansions of a further 11,000 and then 47,000 sq ft, enabling us to centralise all of our operations at Parc Bedwas in a single 100,000 sq ft facility. The acquisitions were completed at the perfect time for tenant purposes and the rent fixed throughout the term at very economical rates. A job well done.

Bob James, Aerfin