Mastering Diversity Conference brings hundreds together in Cardiff and launches next chapter of youth enterprise

FinTech Wales was proud to support the Mastering Diversity Conference 2026, which brought hundreds of delegates from communities, businesses and public services together at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff on 10 September.

Organised by Mastering Diversity CIC, founded by Bernie Davies, the annual conference explored how fair access, representation and partnership can help change lives across Wales.

The event brought lived experience into direct conversation with decision-makers through eight dedicated zones spanning technology, business, health, education, sport, public services, representation and equity.

The conference also marked the launch of Beyond the NEET Label, Mastering Diversity’s youth enterprise project, alongside a new survey inviting young people to help shape the opportunities and support available to them.

Bringing inclusion into practice

Across the conference, delegates heard from organisations and individuals working to improve inclusion and opportunity in Wales.

Vodafone Business’s STEM Zone used practical technology demonstrations to explore the role technology can play in widening access to learning and opportunity.

The Advocating for Equity Zone, hosted by joint headline sponsor Leigh Day and chaired by Julia Reynolds, focused on “Equity in Maternity: Voices, Support, Action”, bringing together lived experience alongside healthcare, legal and advocacy perspectives.

In the Business Zone, supported by NatWest and Hugh James, contributions from Sophie Howe and Solar Buddies connected inclusive leadership with enterprise and the responsibilities businesses have for the future.

Other sessions included Team Wales’ Sport Zone, featuring Rosie Eccles; a Health Zone led by Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust; an Education Zone led by Howell’s School Llandaff GDST; a Public Sector Zone featuring a Neath Port Talbot Council panel led by Noelwyn Daniel; and Transport for Wales’ Representation Zone.

Twelve neurodivergent young people from Family Pathways also volunteered as Zone Marshals as part of a supported work-experience opportunity. With support tailored to their individual needs, they helped welcome and guide delegates while gaining practical experience in communication and teamwork.

Entrepreneurship and opportunity

Enterprise was an important part of the conference, with speakers sharing the experiences behind building successful businesses.

Ammar Akhtar discussed his beginnings and the growth of Final Rentals into a business reaching 65 countries, while Solar Buddies co-founders Kelli Aspland and Laura Waters shared how an everyday parenting challenge led them to develop a refillable sunscreen applicator and build an internationally recognised business.

Their business subsequently secured Dragons’ Den backing from Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones.

Elaine Banton also spoke about her journey to becoming a barrister, having decided at the age of seven that she wanted to pursue the profession after being raised on a council estate in Hackney by her mother, a nurse.

Looking at Mastering Diversity’s wider impact

During the conference, Bernie Davies’ annual review set out Mastering Diversity’s activity during FY 2025/26.

According to the review, the organisation has developed a professional network of 15,000 and 5,332 thought leaders, with estimated wider influence reaching 75,000 people. It also reports estimated social value of more than £16.87 million using the National TOM System framework.

Activity highlighted in the review included a charity ball at Hensol Castle which raised £9,048.62 for LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, as well as public engagement activities at St David’s Cardiff focused on equality, belonging, inclusion and community.

The review also documented participation in the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and CSW70 in New York.

Launching Beyond the NEET Label

One of the major announcements from this year’s conference was the launch of Beyond the NEET Label, Mastering Diversity’s youth enterprise project.

The initiative seeks to better understand the barriers facing young people and the support that could create routes into enterprise.

Young people aged 18–30 who live, study or work in Wales are being invited to share their experiences and ideas through a survey available in English and Welsh.

Complete the Beyond the NEET Label survey.

The next milestone for Mastering Diversity will be the Mastering Diversity Awards, taking place on Thursday 19 November 2026, from 6pm to 8pm at Senedd Cymru, with Shav Taj MS as the sponsoring Member of the Senedd.

Nominations are open across 12 public categories recognising people, teams and organisations working to turn inclusion into impact. Nominations close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Submit a nomination for the Mastering Diversity Awards.

As a supporter of Mastering Diversity, Fintech Wales is pleased to see organisations, businesses and communities coming together in Cardiff to advance conversations around inclusion, representation and opportunity across Wales.

Further information: Read the original Mastering Diversity Conference report.