John O’Loughlin on Trade, Tech and Diaspora Opportunity for Wales

As Head of Trade and Investment for the Welsh Government in Ireland, John O’Loughlin plays a key role in advancing economic relationships, fostering inward investment, and championing Wales’ growing profile as a global business destination.

With a background that spans entrepreneurship, UK-Ireland trade development, and now Celtic collaboration, John brings a unique perspective to the Interceltic Business Forum. Ahead of his return to Lorient this August, we spoke with him about Wales' innovation strengths, the importance of diaspora, and the real value of Celtic connections in today’s global economy.

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Can you tell us a bit about your role at the Welsh Government and your background in trade and investment?

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I joined the Welsh Government’s Ireland team in 2021, just as Covid was coming to an end. I actually had Covid during my first week — after catching it at the first networking event I’d attended in a year — so I had to call in sick on day one. Not the best start!

Before this, I led inward investment for the UK in Ireland for over four years. I’ve been in the trade and investment space now for over eight years. Prior to that, I was an entrepreneur — though I’m feeling a lot better now!

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Wales has carved out strengths in sectors like renewable energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. What sectors are you most excited about right now — and where is Wales seeing the most international interest?

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Wales has indeed built strengths in key sectors like compound semiconductors, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing — and has developed vibrant clusters around them.

Personally, I’m most excited about the tech sector, particularly the potential in Wales for high-growth scaling companies. We have a very tight-knit tech community, strong growth capital access, and excellent talent coming out of our universities and colleges.

One advantage that’s often overlooked is proximity to London — just under two hours by train, with a twice-hourly connection to Paddington. It’s a real jewel in the crown.

But what truly sets us apart is our "village" feel — where you're just one connection away from anyone you need to meet. It creates a level of collaboration and support that’s incredibly valuable for high-growth businesses.

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How do you see Wales positioning itself in today’s shifting global economy — especially as a smaller, agile nation with a strong identity and diaspora?

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In today’s geopolitical climate, I believe Wales needs to be seen as a predictable, safe, and supportive place to live and work.

Our work-life balance is exceptional. Cost of living is low compared to many neighbouring regions, but this doesn’t come at the expense of opportunity. Wales offers a favourable business environment — with real momentum behind it.

Our national identity and global diaspora are also growing in strategic importance. Global Welsh is doing great work in this space. That said, we still have a lot to learn — and the Irish are absolutely the exemplars here. Their level of investment and coordination around diaspora engagement is world-class.

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You’ve attended the Interceltic Business Forum before. What’s the real return on investment from gatherings like this — for Wales and the broader Celtic business community?

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The phrase “your network is your net worth” applies perfectly to this forum. The calibre of people who show up to these events is consistently impressive — from entrepreneurs and investors to policymakers and innovators.

In the last year alone, I’ve:

• Worked with a corporate event sponsor I met in Cornwall
• Met an inward investor in Lorient who has since landed in Wales
• Collaborated with Celtic partners for a Welsh Gov-hosted event during London Tech Week

That’s the ROI — tangible outcomes built on shared culture, shared ambition, and real conversations. I’m confident this year’s Lorient gathering will be just as impactful.

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Join us at the forum in Lorient

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Whether championing high-growth tech, promoting sustainable investment, or deepening Celtic ties, John O’Loughlin is helping to position Wales as a future-facing, globally connected nation.

As he returns to the Interceltic Business Forum this August, John brings a message that resonates far beyond Wales: the power of shared heritage, purposeful networking, and bold cross-border collaboration to shape a more resilient Celtic economy.

Join us in Lorient on August 4th

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