In this episode, Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group.

During the discussion, the Cabinet Secretary discussed his motivation for entering politics, the importance of embedding wellbeing into Wales' transport vision and the branding of the Welsh public transport system.

You can listen again below.

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Urban Transport Next is supported by AtkinsRéalis.

About Ken Skates

Ken was appointed Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport on 21 March 2024, and re-appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales on 11 September 2024.

Ken was first appointed to the Welsh Government as Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology in 2011. He was then appointed Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism in 2014 and promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure in May 2016.

In 2008, he was elected a community councillor.

Ken was previously a journalist at the Wrexham Leader newspaper, and a PA to Mark Tami MP.

He was born in 1976 in Wrexham, educated at Mold Alun School and went on to study Social and Political Science at Cambridge University.

In his free time, Ken enjoys running, swimming, hiking and curling as well as having an interest in gardening, art and architectural design.

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis provides holistic, end-to-end advisory services for many combined authorities and city regions across the UK.

From strategic advisory on funding and finance through feasibility, business case and optioneering, we develop optimum transport and place-based strategies that support the delivery of our client's objectives, including economic, health, environmental and social value.

We support some of the most transformational programmes and schemes in the UK, spanning all modes of transport, from active travel to Mass Transit and Rail, to enhance productivity and place.

We create long-term, collaborative relationships with our clients and partners by developing a deep understanding of their needs and priorities to shape the future of transport and reimagine infrastructure. Together, we’re engineering a better future for our planet and its people.