Glyn Thomas has been appointed area manager in Wales for Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise.

UK Steel Enterprise plays an important role in supporting the economy in Gwent and Wales through investment in businesses, and developing and running quality business accommodation.

The organisation , which has been operating in Wales and around the UK for 40 years, is part of the Task Force working with other agencies in Port Talbot to deal with the effects of long term structural changes to the steel industry.

Glyn said: “I am pleased to be taking up this role, and I look forward to working with businesses and business organisations to support the Welsh economy in these rapidly changing times.

“Through our investments, working with other funders, we support companies we believe have the ability to create quality, sustainable jobs for the future. We also provide prestigious, flexible accommodation for companies with growth potential on easy-in, easy-out terms,” he said.

He moves from investment executive, a role he has held for the last eight years, making strategic investments in Welsh businesses. In the last year, UKSE provided £2.5m in loans and equity to businesses in the UK, creating 270 new jobs.

These included six-figure sums advanced to BCB International of Cardiff and Contract Services of Port Talbot, both Welsh businesses with ambitious growth plans to create local jobs.

UKSE owns and runs two prestigious business locations in South Wales - Cardiff Bay Business Centre and Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre, both of which have been the focus for significant investment in recent years. The centres are home to 97 businesses, and are proving successful incubators for companies.

A total of £1m has recently been invested to upgrade Forgeside House, part of Cardiff Bay Business Centre, and many new businesses are moving in, and existing tenants returning.

Glyn, who is from Cowbridge, is a keen sportsman. A former captain of Cowbridge Rugby Club, he is an occasional golfer and has undertaken charity cycle rides in recent years.

He began his career as a banker with NatWest, and then moved to business support organisation Business In Focus in Bridgend, before joining UKSE.