TOP Welsh businesses were joined by Welsh secretary Alun Cairns this morning to mark St David's Day by opening the London stock market.
Among companies attending the ceremony in the city of London at 8am this morning were Duffryn-based silicon device manufacturer Newport Wafer Fab,. semiconducter manufacturer IQE, which is setting up a new facility in Newport, and Delio Wealth, of Cardiff, as well as representatives of CBI (Confederation of British Industries) Wales and (Institute of Directors) IoD Wales.
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This is the first time the daily ceremony has been used to mark St David's Day.
Alun Cairns at the London stock exchange on St David's Day 2019
Mr Cairns said: “St David’s Day is an important day for the whole of Wales to reflect on the strength of our unique history, language and culture.
“It is also an important reminder of the dynamism of modern Wales. We are home to some of the world’s most innovative companies and our products and services in industries such as semiconductors, cyber security and the financial and insurance sectors are exported to all corners of the globe.
“The UK Government is working hard to continue that trend by supporting Welsh firms to enter and expand into growing markets around the world. I hope young Welsh firms can take inspiration from today’s event and start their own international success story.”
The Welsh dragon lit up the London Stock Exchange as trading opened at 8am on St David’s Day
Nikhil Rathi, CEO of London Stock Exchange (centre) and Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns (right) join Welsh businesses to open trading at the London Stock Exchange on 1 March
Chief executive of the London Stock Exchange Nikhil Rathi said: “London Stock Exchange is proud of its central role in supporting Welsh business.
"Thirty-six companies from Wales are currently listed on our markets with a combined market capitalisation in excess of £27.3 billion.
"We are also particularly proud to support smaller Welsh businesses and entrepreneurs develop into the market leaders and household names of tomorrow through a number of tailored initiatives, such as our ELITE programme and our Companies to Inspire Britain report. We are delighted to welcome secretary of state for Wales, Alun Cairns, to celebrate St David’s Day by opening trading on London Stock Exchange this morning.”
Nikhil Rathi points to positive opening figures as trading began at 8am
Nikhil Rathi presents Alun Cairns with the engraved glass tablet used to open the market
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