ON Christmas Day 1939 King George VI broadcast to his people quoting the words of a little known poet, Louise Haskins. “I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

This year Cardiff Business Club celebrates its centenary and takes its first steps into the unknown. In the Club's infancy the country was ravaged by the war to end wars and the depression that followed. Then came the 1930’s and it became a platform for the future Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden's, warning of another European conflict and the dangers of appeasement.

Today those invited to address the Club’s members talk of a different kind of conflict where the battlefield is the economy and social issues. Leading figures from the spheres of politics, commerce, academia and religion are now the siren voices. Prime Ministers, captains of industry, academics and religious leaders have come and delivered their message on the state of the nation.

Last season Cardiff-born Sir Leszek, Vice Chancellor of Cambridge said: “Government and the EU have a responsibility to provide for growth in research. The present buzzword is innovation, which is intellectually exciting and economically vital.” Stimulating the intellect is the tried and tested formula that has sustained the Cardiff Business Club for the past 100 years and will be the bedrock of its centenary year.

Looking at the year ahead, Club chairman Gerald Davies spoke for the Board and members.
“Having played a prominent role in business circles in South Wales since its foundation, Cardiff Business Club still relies on the goodwill and support of the business community. Long may it continue."