Finalrentals Team at Wales Tech Week

Our company participated in the Wales Tech Week event that took place between October 16th to October 18th. We had a stand during the event, showcasing our products and services. One of the event's highlights was the panel discussion titled 'Why Wales: A Thriving Hub for Business Growth and Global Trade Opportunities', held on the Headline Stage. The discussion was chaired by Aled Miles and featured esteemed panellists such as Kellie Beirne, Walter May, Jan Griffiths, Lyndon Faulker, Gareth Hughes, and Finalrentals CEO Ammar Akhtar. The discussion shed light on why Wales is great for business growth and global trade opportunities. It was an insightful and informative discussion that provided valuable insights to all attendees.

Finalrentals' move to Wales from Dubai has proven to be a wise decision, resulting in a six-fold increase in revenue. Such success would not have been possible without the support of the eco-system and the strong partnerships and collaborations formed, particularly with FinTech Wales and the Welsh Government. This support has enabled Finalrentals to become a game-changer in the car rental industry. Ammar's belief that any start-up based in the UK or abroad should consider Wales as a destination is a testament to the region's potential for success.

This event was a gathering of businesses from all over Wales and beyond, providing a unique platform for networking and knowledge-sharing. It served as a stepping stone for Finalrentals to extend its reach beyond Wales into the rest of the United Kingdom and, eventually, worldwide. The event provided a unique opportunity for Finalrentals to showcase its value proposition and build relationships with other businesses that would be beneficial in the long run.

Aled Miles, a distinguished Stanford University School of Business graduate, was the headline stage host. With his impressive academic background, Aled has made significant contributions to the technology field. He is currently serving as the CEO and Board Member of Sauce Labs, a company that provides enterprise-level testing services for web and mobile-based applications across the globe. Aled has been leading the company for the past four years and has played a crucial role in enabling enterprises to achieve quality by testing their applications on a large scale.

In addition to his role at Sauce Labs, Aled was appointed the Welsh Government Envoy to the United States in September 2020. His appointment was a testament to his outstanding leadership qualities and contributions to the tech industry. Aled was born in the United Kingdom but is now a US citizen and resides in Los Angeles.

With his vast experience and expertise in technology, Aled has been a great asset to the tech community. His contributions have been invaluable, and he continues to impact the industry significantly.

Kellie Beirne is a highly experienced professional with a distinguished career as a Director at Cardiff Region and a Council Member of Research England UKRI. She has a stellar track record of serving the public with dedication, commitment, and integrity. Kellie is passionate about promoting sustainable growth and development that benefits society.

Kellie's academic credentials are impressive, having obtained her degree from the prestigious Cardiff University. Her expertise and experience in public service are highly valued and have earned her an excellent reputation among her peers.

Kellie currently resides in the Greater Newport Area of Wales, where she is an active community member. Her commitment to her work and community is unwavering, and she continues to contribute significantly to both.

Walter May is a prominent figure in the Welsh business community, serving as the Founder and CEO of GlobalWelsh. This non-profit organization aims to connect Welsh people and businesses across the globe. Currently residing in the Greater Newport Area, May is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and global networking, focusing on engaging the Welsh diaspora. Through his work with GlobalWelsh, May is dedicated to promoting international business development and fostering a strong community among Welsh professionals worldwide.

Jan Griffiths is a highly accomplished individual with a wealth of experience in the automotive industry. As an Architect of Cultural Transformation, she has played a vital role in shaping the culture of organizations in the industry. In addition, she is a Keynote Speaker who has delivered inspiring speeches on various topics related to leadership and development.

Her passion for the automotive industry is reflected in her work as the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. In this role, she has interviewed numerous experts in the field and shared valuable insights with her listeners. Jan is also the Global Welsh USA Hub Leader, who has been instrumental in connecting Welsh people worldwide.

Jan graduated from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, where she honed her leadership, motivational speaking, and leadership development skills. She has also developed a deep understanding of the automotive industry through her work in various capacities, including podcasting. Her expertise in this field is highly regarded, and she is viewed as a thought leader.

Jan currently resides in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, where she continues to make significant contributions to the automotive industry.

Gareth Hughes is a highly accomplished individual with an impressive background in biotechnology. He earned his degree from the esteemed University of Minnesota and resides in Irving, Texas, United States. With a passion for innovation, Gareth has dedicated his career to the pursuit of cutting-edge advancements in the field of nanotechnology.

As a bio-entrepreneur, Gareth has extensive experience in the startup industry, having spent over 25 years working with various innovative new companies. His technical expertise lies in micro- and nanotechnology for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Gareth has worked on numerous projects, independently and in collaboration with others, and has a proven track record of success in this highly specialized field.

In addition to his technical expertise, Gareth possesses a keen business sense, with a wealth of experience in developing business and strategic plans, establishing strategic partnerships, and managing multi-institutional and collaborative projects. His expertise in these areas has been instrumental in the success of many of the companies he has worked with over the years.

Overall, Gareth Hughes is a true leader in his field, with a passion for innovation, a wealth of experience, and a proven track record of success.

Ammar Akhtar is a visionary entrepreneur making waves in the car rental industry as the Founder and CEO of Finalrentals. His company is bringing a fresh perspective to the traditional car rental model by leveraging technology and innovation to provide customers with a seamless and user-friendly experience.

Ammar being an expat from the South Asian descent calls Cardiff, Wales, his home, where he leads Finalrentals passionately and enthusiastically. He is a graduate of the renowned MIP Politecnico di Milano, a prestigious business graduate school located in Milan, Lombardy, Italy. During his time there, he honed his business management, strategy, and entrepreneurship skills, laying the foundation for his success as a business leader.

The event held at ICC was an exceptional opportunity for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds to collaborate and engage in meaningful discussions regarding ethical growth in startups and businesses. The event provided a well-curated platform for participants to network, share their unique insights, and learn from other industry experts. The discussions were highly informative and covered many topics, ranging from sustainable business practices to the latest technological advancements to help businesses grow ethically. Overall, the event was a great success, leaving participants with a wealth of knowledge and connections that they can leverage to boost their businesses.