Michelle Noble takes helm as organisation marks 50 years of backing jobs
A SUBSIDIARY of Tata Steel is set to expand its support for Welsh businesses following the success of a multi-million-pound programme launched in response to changes in the steel industry.
UKSE has appointed Michelle Noble as its new Area Manager for Wales, as it looks to build on the impact of its £4.6 million Support Programme.
Launched in 2024, the initiative was designed to help offset the effects of industry transition and is estimated to have created and safeguarded around 520 jobs for former steelworkers and the wider workforce.
Michelle said the first phase of the programme had exceeded expectations.
“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.
“We worked closely with other agencies, moving swiftly to give timely support, particularly to steel workers looking to move into new areas.”
Among the businesses supported are several start-ups launched by former workers at the Port Talbot steelworks, including Coffi Portablo, a coffee venue based at Aberavon Shopping Centre run by Vichuda and Cassius Walker-Hunt.
UKSE now plans to build on the programme’s success with a stronger emphasis on equity investment.
“We know there are many businesses in Wales which would benefit from a capital injection in the form of equity and loan,” Michelle said.
“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.”
The developments come as UKSE celebrates its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, the organisation has supported around 83,000 jobs across the UK through a combination of loans, equity investments and grants.
UKSE also owns and operates Cardiff Bay Business Centre and Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre, providing a base for a range of new and established firms.
To mark its half-century milestone, UKSE is distributing grants and bursaries to community groups and individuals, including promising young rugby player Kelyn Jude-Hobbs.
Michelle, who is originally from Cwmbran, graduated from the University of South Wales and has held finance and community roles with a number of leading organisations.
Before joining UKSE, she worked as an Investment Executive with the Development Bank of Wales and previously supported local enterprises through the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund. She is also co-founder of Community Interest Company The Food Shed in Bridgend and volunteers much of her spare time at her local junior rugby club in Cwmbran.
“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,” she said.
“We will use this platform to build on our achievements helping create jobs for the future.”
