British Council delivers Welsh jobs boost
Nov 7 2007
by Sally Williams, Western Mail
THE British Council is to expand its operation in Wales and co-ordinate a major European programme in the UK from Cardiff.
The British Council is the UK’s public diplomacy and cultural organisation. It works in 110 countries with the aim of connecting people with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK to build lasting relationships around the world.
Martin Davidson, chief executive of the British Council, said the expansion of British Council Wales over the next two years would bring increased investment, resources, jobs and opportunities to Wales.
Speaking at The Senedd in Cardiff, Mr Davidson said its reorganisation and future strategy recognised the changing governance of the UK. It will boost the Welsh operation with more staff and manage UK-wide initiatives from Wales.
Mr Davidson reiterated the British Council’s role in promoting “mutually beneficial relationships” between people in the UK and overseas and to increase appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements.
He said, “The continually changing geometry of the governance of the UK demands that we must continually re-evaluate the reach and the impact that we achieve on behalf of the UK in a highly competitive global environment.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to strengthen our presence in Wales through increased resources for local activity, as well as through locating the management of major UK-wide programmes.”