Trading the world of finance for support firms can bank on
A SWANSEA banker has swapped the world of high finance to help grassroots enterprises in the city get out of the recession.
Carwyn Richards, a former regional director of HSBC bank, has joined business support agency Venture Wales as general manager in Swansea and West Wales.
Mr Richards will pass on his years of knowledge and experience, and offer top- level financial and business support to small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) throughout Swansea and West Wales.
SMEs characterise the Welsh business landscape, accounting for 99 per cent of Welsh firms, and Venture Wales helps more than 1,250 grow each year.
The 56-year-old, who is originally from Tumble, near Llanelli, worked with HSBC for 32 years.
He was responsible for a £600 million budget, 185 staff and 21 branches throughout South and West Wales.
After joining Midland Bank (which later became HSBC) in 1972 as a junior officer clerk, he went onto become a bank manger in his 20s and held various titles, including head of the commercial management team, divisional credit manager, and area director for Swansea, where he worked with major organisations, including local authorities and NHS trusts.
Mr Richards left the bank in 2004 to start CMR Business Solutions.
"I'll work with SMEs throughout Swansea and West Wales to help with business planning, financial forecasting and general business support, advice and encouragement," he said.
"A competitive SME base can help us through the recession.
"One of the biggest challenges Wales faces is to develop a strong culture of entrepreneurship. While we face demanding times, firms must remain positive.
"I want to encourage Swansea firms to have more ambition and confidence, and to seize opportunities when they spot them.
