Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE is set to build on its highly successful Support Programme under new Area Manager in Wales, Michelle Noble.
UKSE launched its £4.6 million Support Programme for Wales in 2024 in response to changes in the steel industry, and estimates it created and sustained some 520 jobs for ex-steel workers, as well as the wider workforce.
Michelle said the Support Programme had exceeded expectations, as its first phase comes to an end. “In a short time we provided a range of loans and grants to 106 businesses, including 50 start-ups, with the overall purpose of creating sustainable jobs to offset the changes to the steel industry,” she said.
She said:”We worked closely with other agencies, moving swiftly to give timely support, particularly to steel workers looking to move into new areas.”
Many of the start-ups were launched by former workers at the Port Talbot plant such as Coffi Portablo, the stylish coffee venue in Aberavon Shopping Centre run by Vichuda and Cassius Walker-Hunt.
Michelle says UKSE will now build on this, with an emphasis on offering equity investments. “We know there are many businesses in Wales which would benefit from a capital injection in the form of equity and loan.
“There are many advantages to equity investment and UKSE has a great amount of experience in this. We make the perfect partner for ambitious companies looking to scale up and achieve their business objectives as efficiently as possible.”
She is particularly pleased to be leading UKSE in Wales as the organisation celebrates 50 years.
In that time UKSE has supported some 83,000 jobs in the UK with its loans, equity investments and grants, and combinations of these. UKSE owns and runs Cardiff Bay Business Centre and Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre, home to a range of new and established firms.
To mark its half century UKSE is distributing grants and bursaries to community groups and individuals such as talented young rugby player Kelyn Jude-Hobbs.
Michelle, who is from Cwmbran, graduated from the University of South Wales and has worked in finance and community roles with leading organisations.
Previously Investment Executive with Development Bank of Wales, she also worked with Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund supporting local businesses with loan and grant funding, and managing budgets and compliance. As well as this, she was co-founder of Community Interest Company The Food Shed in Bridgend. Much of her spare time is spent helping at her local junior rugby club in Cwmbran organising matches and events.
“I am extremely proud of the excellent work UKSE does supporting the economy and I am delighted to have been part of the response to greener-steel making in Wales. We will use this platform to build on our achievements helping create jobs for the future.”
