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Chief executive of The Safety Letterbox Company, Alison Orrells, has been appointed the new chair of CBI Wales.

Ms Orrells, who at the helm of the Neath-based firm has seen it become the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s leading manufacturer of mailboxes and parcel boxes with its products sold worldwide, succeeds Lance Burn in the role. Mr Burn, formerly, chief executive of IG Design Group International, recently took up a new role as CEO of Coral Products.

Ms Orrells , who has also worked in senior management roles for major º£½ÇÊÓƵ retail groups, is a founding board member of Manufacturing Wales and chairs Sketty Hall Business School’s advisory board.

She said: “I’m excited to chair CBI Wales. I am acutely aware of the challenges experienced by businesses, in particular SMEs, and how lack of resources can often stifle their growth. My experience of running a business through Brexit, Covid-19, a recession and a cost of living crisis will help firms through uncertain times.

“As one of the few female CEOs in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ manufacturing sector, I want to challenge the barriers that prevent women from succeeding in business. Equality and diversity are paramount, and I look forward to supporting diversity initiatives such as CBI Wales’s Women in Leadership network.”

Ian Price, director, CBI Wales, said: “I’ve worked with Alison for a long time on the CBI Wales Council and SME National Council. Her extensive knowledge of SMEs, the manufacturing sector and import-exports is second to none and will help business navigate through the challenges they currently face.

“With a new First Minister and a General Election in 2024, Alison will build consensus between business and politicians on the need to tackle skills shortages, support funding for apprenticeships and help the local economy transition to net zero and guarantee sustainable growth.”

“I thank Lance for his work as CBI Wales chair and wish him well for the future.”

Ms Orrells began her career aged 16 in retail. She later became a manager for brands such as Arcadia and Habitat and held other senior retail roles across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.

She spent nine years as general manager of The Safety Letterbox Company, before her appointment as CEO in 2007. Her father Ian Brown MBE founded the company in 1986.