Bethan Lloyd: Making a difference

Educated to Masters Degree level in environmental science, Bethan Lloyd has always wanted to make a difference, an attribute she’s now applying with great effect to the UK manufacturing sector.

“From a young age I felt the need to be of service to the world,” says Bethan, who in 2015 joined her father’s business, Allied Global Engineering, an investor in a growing group of engineering businesses. “Although I was an over-achiever at university, I had a few confidence and self-esteem issues that made job interviews challenging, which I sought to address. My dad offered me a position and my personal development efforts immediately began adding value to the business.”

Within 18 months Bethan was General Manager. Today, she’s Sales, Marketing and People Director – and a company shareholder – while also holding Director positions at a number of manufacturing businesses in which Allied Global Engineering has invested. These include machining specialists like EGL Vaughan and Mantec Engineering, and fabrication experts such as Griffiths & Johnson and Savekers Solutions.

“The importance of the components was evident from day one,” she says. “It really matters to me because I’m on this planet to contribute. For instance, one of our businesses, G&J Logistics, manufactures portering chairs and trolleys for use by the NHS and healthcare providers. For us, investing in a business is all about legacy. Taking businesses that are nationally important and giving them that next lease of life.”

Adds Bethan: “As a scientist, I adore the creativity and problem solving engineering requires. I’ve also fallen in love with the community: hard working people who really care and want to improve.”

Bethan’s Myers-Briggs personality test results show her as a born mentor. To this end, she hosts her own podcast. ‘Millionaire Secrets’ aims to lift the lid on the mindset and strategies that have allowed the top 1% of entrepreneurs to grow seven- and eight-figure businesses.

“Although I try to help people achieve their ambitions, I still have plenty of my own,” she concludes. “Learning is a core motivator: if I’m not learning I feel a bit purposeless. I’m also quite opportunistic, so who knows where these attributes could take our business – and me – in the future.”