Steve Dimmick has been appointed as Commercial Director at the registered charity Awen Cultural Trust and its wholly-owned trading subsidiary, Awen Trading Ltd, taking an entrepreneurial and strategic approach to income generation across the whole organisation.

Steve, who is originally from Blaina, will be responsible for identifying new business and investment opportunities which, in turn, will support the sustainability of Awen and its ability to impact positively on the lives of people and communities of South Wales.

Awen currently reaches over one million people each year, through the arts, culture and heritage facilities and activities the charity manages on behalf of three local authorities, and its socially responsible food and beverage businesses.

Chief Executive, Richard Hughes, said that Steve will play a key role in unlocking the significant commercial potential across the Awen group, thanks to his well-regarded business experience coupled with his passion for supporting Awen’s wider charitable objectives.

“Awen’s purpose of ‘making people’s lives better’, and our core values, really resonate with Steve. As an entrepreneur and founder of several public-facing companies, he understands the importance and principles of developing a social business where generating revenue is underpinned by the social mission and embedding a customer-first culture.

“As Awen continues to grow and cement its reputation as a forward-thinking, ambitious organisation, Steve’s appointment is timely both in terms of driving through current plans while also seeking new opportunities for the future. We look forward to welcoming Steve onto the Executive Leadership Team, where he will add so much value and support in shaping our future success.”

Prior to joining Awen, Steve was the co-founder and CEO of the real-time online survey platform doopoll, partnering with global players including Barclays, O2, Pernod Ricard and UK Government, until its recent acquisition by the US online survey and research services company QuestionPro.

He said: “I ran doopoll for eight years, where we supported Welsh companies with their online survey needs. One of those was Awen, whose purpose appealed to me from day one. I spoke at an Awen staff away day once and just ‘clicked’ with the people in the room. That stayed with me.”

“Once the agreement was in place for doopoll to be acquired, I met with executive recruiters Goodson Thomas, to discuss my next role. Top of my list of requirements was a role that served Wales and its people. Awen’s purpose is ‘making people’s lives better’; as soon as I knew they were seeking a Commercial Director, I knew it was the role for me.

“I am excited to get stuck in and make a difference, both within the business and externally with our existing partners and very much with new partners. I’d love to hear from anyone who would also like to make a difference to Wales and its people!”