One of the fantastic aspects of being High Sheriff is meeting new people and enjoying new experiences. While I have been a guest of Cardiff Business Club previously, it was an absolute pleasure to return for another event.
Innovators of business within Wales, with fabulous ideas to drive our economy forwards, the ideas and challenges faced by our business leaders are always intriguing.
It is an interesting fact that the Cardiff Business Club are the biggest such organisation outside of London. I am grateful for the invitation not least because of an extremely interesting talk by Mark Rhydderch Roberts, Chairman of Glamorgan County Cricket Club.
Not being an avid cricket fan, many friends of mine are and they support either Maesteg or Maesteg Celtic Cricket Clubs. Despite my personal, general vagueness of the sport, Mark gave an absolutely absorbing insight into the evolution of cricket.
The sport has metamorphosed from what was, for all intents and purposes, a six-months gentleman’s drinking club with cricket in between, to the evolution of franchise cricket across the globe. The Hundred is the UK version and the red ball versus white ball cricket, offer different opportunities, and each appeal to different audiences.
Intertwined with this is the journey and vision for Glamorgan County Cricket Club. It was a massive stride forward by the club to build a test match arena in Cardiff. Previous Chairman Paul Russel was criticised, but his belief was without bringing in new revenue streams, the Welsh county would have been out of existence. What an arena he has left.
Apart from franchise cricket and numerous formats of the sport; all with their unique strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, now we have with the explosion of women's cricket and the many opportunities is sounding very promising. From the slight glimpses I have had time to watch women's cricket, the sport really does lend itself to the women’s game. The ladies fight tooth and nail, while maintaining a wonderful sense of perspective. Welsh Fire reached The Hundred final and the game was both entertaining and captivating. Well done ladies.
Thank you for an entertaining and informative time. Llongyfarchiadau Clwb Busnes Caerdydd. This was a great launch to your year ahead, and best wishes and success to members and supporters and sponsors alike.