Five figures from the Welsh business world, including one from Newport, have been unveiled as some of the country’s most progressive leaders as part of Grant Thornton’s Faces of a Vibrant Economy Campaign.

The annual list recognises 100 inspirational leaders from private, public and third sectors across the UK.

Among them are business leaders, entrepreneurs, local government innovators and third sector trailblazers who have been recognised for their commitment to developing an economy that enables people, organisations and communities to flourish.

Terry Edgell, co-founder of Premier Forest Group, Newport, was among the five.

Others included: Tramshed Tech co-founder, Mark John; Michelle Coburn-Hughes, business manager at the Ferndale Community School and the Fern Partnership; Steve Dimmick, co-founder of doopoll, Cardiff; and Luis Sanz, CEO and managing director at Celsa Steel, Cardiff.

Alistair Wardell, head of restructuring in Wales at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “We recognise the importance of valuing societal and economic contribution and believe that those leaders who consider their wider impact, beyond profitability alone, deserve to be championed.

"That’s why we launched the Faces campaign – to celebrate individuals who exemplify the Vibrant Economy movement, which aims to shape an environment where people, organisations and communities thrive.

“From jet aircraft manufacturers, farmers, local government leaders, dance school principals; our Faces share the same commitment to make a positive impact. For many of these leaders, clear purpose is the north star, helping them to navigate and make the right decisions in the longer term. Being purpose-led in this way involves a fundamental mind-set shift from 'what I can do', towards ‘what we collectively can do’.”

To coincide with the 2018 Faces of a Vibrant Economy campaign, Grant Thornton Wales has launched an online platform to showcase businesses currently contributing to the country’s vibrant economy. The Vibrant Economy in Wales website hosts Welsh business success stories and invites collaboration and idea sharing across sectors to encourage sustainable business growth, innovation and a sense of purpose.

Businesses from across Wales are invited to share their own vibrant business stories by visiting the platform: www.vibranteconomywales.com.