Cooke & Arkwright attended along with representatives from both UK Government and Welsh Government, and leading figures from a range of business sectors, the Welsh diaspora in London, Welsh sporting and arts organisations, and the media.
The 2018 celebration consists of a calendar of events from Saturday 24th February until Friday 10th March; together to galvanise, showcase and leverage the activities of existing London-based Welsh communities, and help celebrate and promote the best of Wales, in London.
Described as ‘Where Wales meets London, when London celebrates Wales’, the inaugural Wales Week in London was first held back in February-March 2017, and is led by Founders Dan Langford and Mike Jordan, two Welsh-based professionals who have long had business connections in London.
There were 56 events and activities held during Wales Week in London last spring and the organisers are expecting this number to be increased to nearer 75, being held around St David’s Day in 2018.
15 sponsors have signed up, as well as the continuing involvement of both the Welsh Government and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales.
Nick Lawley, director at Cooke & Arkwright, said, “As one of Wales’ leading commercial property advisory firms, being Welsh based experts on Welsh property, it’s important for us to support Wales Week in London, which aims to develop stronger links between two key UK hotspots.
“Importantly, with so much interest in Wales as a property investment destination, it has never been a more important time to showcase the best of Wales in London. With a large proportion of our client base being London based investors, occupiers and developers who turn to us for specialist advice on their commercial property assets, this was the perfect fit for our business and it will also help us continue to raise our profile and build our network across the bridge.
“Now in its second year, Wales Week in London has already gained a strong following and we’re looking forward to being involved this year and celebrating Welsh success.”
Dan Langford, Group Marketing Director of Acorn Recruitment, who for a number of years has been active in promoting Welsh business in London, said, “Back last spring we never imagined how well the inaugural Wales Week in London was going to be received, or the extent of participation it attracted from so many individuals and organisations. The whole thing came together in just over three months, and we were amazed by the incredible reception it had and how quickly it would build into something quite significant.
“The active contribution of the Welsh diaspora and the various Welsh groups and societies based in London has been crucial to the success to date; as has the superb support and involvement of both the Welsh Government and the UK Government, working collaboratively with a shared ambition to promote a modern Wales to the rest of the world.
“And we are also hugely grateful to all our sponsors, who are backing Wales Week in London through a number of ways; helping it to grow, thrive and develop.”
Whether promoting products or services to London-based consumers or businesses, attracting new audiences for an artistic production, developing new business contacts and partnerships; or simply showcasing the best of Wales as the place to do businesses, to visit or to study, Wales Week in London is there to support.
In doing so, this united, proactive and coordinated promotion aims to build a positive momentum across the capital that is distinctly about Wales.
Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP said; “St David's Day is a time when Welsh people across the world celebrate their roots and show off the best our nation has to offer to friends and colleagues. As one of the world's most exciting international cities, it makes perfect sense to use the many events taking place in the city around St David's Day to provide a platform to promote Wales to the World.
“I'm delighted that the UK Government was a founding partner of Wales Week in London and is able to give its full backing in 2018 and help host so many fantastic events to celebrate Welsh culture, industry and products.”
The Wales Week in London website includes details of nearly 40 events that are already confirmed, and the organisers confirm that many more will be added over the coming weeks.
Other sponsors of Wales Week in London 2018 include Hugh James, Swansea University School of Management, SD Sealants, Furrer+Frey, SaxonAir, GE Aviation, PwC, Cardiff City Council, Burns Pet Nutrition, Colleges Wales, Welsh Sports Association, Golley Slater, Resources Ltd, and WRW Construction.
The website can be found at www.walesweek.london