8 IN VIEW
By Ged Henderson and Tim Aldred
ALL ON BOARD FOR GROWTH
As efforts continued to get Lancashire’s devolution deal over the line, the county’s new Business Board was unveiled.
The independent board is one of a number being set up across the country following government guidance on the need to include private sector and employer views in local economic strategies.
It was heralded by political leaders from the three Lancashire councils behind the drive to get deputy prime minister Angela Rayner to sign off on the current devolution proposals.
In a statement they said the board would work closely with the councils, adding: “Board members will help the councils build on existing work to deliver long term economic growth in the county by using their expert knowledge of the area.”
One of the first actions decided by members at their first meeting was to write to the deputy PM declaring their support for the deal, which would see the creation of a combined authority for the county.
Lancashire County Council leader Phillippa Williamson said: “A vibrant business community which helps inform local authorities and government is absolutely vital in ensuring our county's economy continues to grow and flourish.
“Members of the board will be able to draw on their own experiences to inform, stimulate and scrutinise the delivery of local policies intended to grow the economy.”
Speaking after the first meeting, board member Steve Williams, managing director of Blackpool
based Force Technology, said he believed it had an important advisory role to play in helping shape the county’s economic strategy.
He added that three was a recognition amongst members that it had to be more than a “talking shop”.
MEET THE BOARD
Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-chancellor, University of Central Lancashire
Prof Baldwin has held a number of senior
roles at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) since joining in 2001. He holds wide- ranging influence in both Lancashire and the skills sector.
Miranda Barker Chief executive, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
Miranda’s career in business support
was preceded by a successful turn as an entrepreneur. She was named chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce in 2017.
John Chesworth Executive chairman, Harrison Drury
John joined Harrison Drury in 2007 and was named managing partner the same year. He is also
chair of Preston Partnership, a membership organisation aimed at driving forward the city’s growth and potential.
Jane Cole Managing director, Blackpool Transport Service
Following a near two-decade career with Virgin Trains, Jane was
appointed as the managing director of Blackpool Transport Service. The company employs more than 600 people.
Tim Conlon Chief executive, Terberg Environmental
Tim is chief executive of refuse vehicle and heavy truck specialist Terberg Environmental, a €700m global enterprise employing more than 2,000 people across 13 countries. He has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
