ACCA celebrates St David’s Day with a focus on building on heritage for a sustainable future

National Day marked with business leaders hearing about sustainability and transformation

ACCA Cymru/Wales marked St David’s Day by bringing together the business community in Wales to celebrate the contribution commerce makes to the community and celebrate Wales’ national day.

Anne Jessopp, CEO of Llantrisant-based The Royal Mint told the 170-strong audience at a breakfast in Cardiff how a business founded in AD 886 is working hard to make sure it is around for another 1,100 years, transforming the business around its rich heritage.

While facing challenges – not least the continuing decline in coin usage – Jessopp set out for the audience of business professionals how The Royal Mint could harness its rich history to ensure it has a dynamic future. It is becoming a leader in reclaiming precious metals from electronic waste such as laptops and mobile phones.

With an annual revenue of £1.9 billion and customers in 120 countries, and an unrivalled expertise in precious metals, Jessopp talked about how she set about reinventing and transforming The Royal Mint.

The Royal Mint is committed to becoming a leader in sustainable precious metals. Later this year it will open a multi-million pound plant to recover gold from UK electronic waste. The pioneering facility will use patented chemistry to recover gold and other metals from circuit boards, generating hundreds of kilograms of precious metals per annum for The Royal Mint.

Jessopp said: “One of the ways we understand our purpose is the value we place on British crafts.  Our new business ventures not only contribute to our overall business success but also provide opportunities. We are moving our people into more sustainable skilled roles as well as nurturing new and diverse talent.”

Picking up on Anne Jessopp’s themes, ACCA Global Council member Helen Morgan spoke about the role that accountants play in supporting businesses and organisations of all sizes and in all sectors in challenging times.

As well as reflecting on key business issues the event heard about the unique work of the Sir Gareth Edwards cancer charity. The charity supports young people aged 15-35 who live in Wales, are receiving treatment for cancer and who are struggling financially.

Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/Wales, said: “It was a pleasure to hear from Anne Jessopp as she leads such an important Welsh-based organisation. Anne’s message about a clear vision, international trade, sustainability, skills and business transformation resonates with ACCA and all our members in Wales.

“We were delighted we worked on this event with our longstanding partners Menzies and University of South Wales. It was great to see so many guests. It is so important for the business community to come together to ensure we continue to work towards a prosperous future for Wales.”