supported them by employing the engineers and making sure they were compliant in-country.” Again turning a challenge into a growth opportunity,
in 2010 after the global financial crisis, Mauve decided to extend its offering to anyone who wanted to have support working, expanding or projects overseas. “We went to our first conference and expo, in the US, in
Atlanta – SHRM – with 12,000 attendees,” says Ann. “We had a stand and in those days nobody understood what we did. ‘Well, we employ people on behalf of other companies when they don’t want to set up their own companies.’ “Obviously, since then, in the last few years this sort
of service has become extremely popular. And that’s where we are today. We are offering this service now to any industry. We work a lot with NGOs, with universities and any sort of educational industry, tech companies – everyone really.”
BUILDING A GLOBAL BUSINESS The next step for Mauve was the launch in spring at Wales Week London of Mauve Cymru. The event comes just after the announcement of Air India’s record- breaking deal with Airbus, which will see the wings of the jets manufactured in Wales in another boost to the Welsh economy. The launch of Ann’s new company is a sign of confidence in Wales’s attractiveness, both for global businesses looking to invest, and businesses already based in Wales looking to export their products and services and expand internationally. “What’s nice about Mauve Cymru is that I’ve gone
out of Wales, travelled the world and had an opportunity to set up companies in over 60 countries and now gone full circle and come back to Wales to support Welsh companies that want to expand. I’m excited about that.” Everyone at Mauve is also thrilled to have won the
Women in Business award from the International Trade Council at an event last October in Estonia. “I’m also really proud and chuffed about this. Demetra and Teresa had to do a five-minute pitch in front of the audience and we went on to win the award.” This accolade
and Mauve’s growth story are
testaments to the professionalism and skills of Ann’s team, as well as the leadership culture in the company that understands the importance of people as individuals in the workplace. “I like to be collaborative,” says Ann. “I like being
operational. I’m not one of these CEOs that sits in my office. I like to be involved and approachable. People come to me if they’ve got any issues or problems. I like to be there for anybody. “I also like to be innovative and I have lots of ideas,
but I’m happy to delegate to implement those ideas too. I also like to think I am adaptable and flexible. I think that also links to the fact that I love change. To me, it’s always about looking forward.”
FINDING BALANCE This foresight is seeing Ann continue to expand her networks and offer support and guidance to other women leaders and entrepreneurs around the world. “From the time I started Mauve in 1996, I can see things have changed a lot for the better and I want to get more involved in supporting women in business. “I’ve just had a call from a lady in banking about promoting and supporting women in business. She is
45
interested in me getting involved so I’m quite excited about that.
I’ve got involved in networks in Dubai.
There’s a lot of networking going on there now with women in business. “In telecoms when I started, there were no women.
The only women then were HR managers. Most of the engineers working on these projects were men. But I do see that changing now, especially in tech. The difficult thing now for women in particular is trying to balance looking after the children and family aspect and the business aspect. I still think that is so difficult to balance. With hybrid work, it is easier sometimes.” Supporting women in companies, networks like Think
Women and events to mark International Women’s Day Ann says are “so important for women to talk to each other and discuss the challenges they have.” “As women, I do think we are very supportive of each
other. The last Think Women event I went to was at the IoD in 2020 just before the pandemic. That was a really good meeting. It was lovely to hear other women’s stories. These sorts of events are really important for listening to other people’s experiences as well and these networks are growing all the time. “Building a business, it’s always important to feel confident,” continues Ann. “Just focus on your aims and keep to them and not give up. You need to stay confident and feel that you are capable of doing what you want to do. Keep whatever you have in your mind as your ultimate aim.”
“ SUPPORTING WOMEN IN COMPANIES, NETWORKS LIKE THINK WOMEN AND EVENTS TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ARE SO IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN TO TALK TO EACH OTHER AND DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES THEY HAVE.”
THINK WOMEN
GLOBAL MOBILITY
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