A new Business Advisory Board bringing together influential private sector leaders has been established by Ambition North Wales.
The Board will provide independent advice, insight and challenge - ensuring the voice of business is central to regional decision-making. This is as Ambition North Wales continues to deliver a substantive programme of work focused on enhancing economic well-being, as well as regional transport and land use planning.
Representatives on the Board were appointed following an open recruitment process and represent a broad range of sectors, expertise and networks from across North Wales.
Earlier this year, experienced business leaders Dave Penrith and Nick Bennett were appointed as Non-Executive Advisors to Ambition North Wales, taking on the roles of Chair and Vice Chair of the new Business Advisory Board.
The establishment of the Board comes at a significant time for the region. Ambition North Wales is progressing delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, representing around £400 million of government investment and ambitions to leverage up to £2 billion of investment and create more than 10,000 jobs over the next decade.
The Business Advisory Board also plans to engage with the recently formed Expert Advisory Panel which has been established to support Welsh Government with the development a new national development agency.
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Chair of Ambition North Wales, said:
"The creation of our Business Advisory Board is an important step in further strengthening the relationship between Ambition North Wales and the region's business community.
"The expertise and insight of the Board will help ensure our work reflects the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across our region."
Alwen Williams Chief Executive, Ambition North Wales, said: "North Wales is entering an exciting period of opportunity and growth. As we deliver major programmes such as the North Wales Growth Deal and Investment Zone, it is vital that business voices help shape our priorities."
Dave Penrith, Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said:
"I would like to congratulate those appointed. North Wales has huge potential, and I am delighted to work alongside the new Board representatives who will do doubt support the future economic success of the region by bringing their valuable perspectives to the table.
“Together we also look forward to collaborating with the Expert Advisory Panel as it works to form a national development agency focused on economic growth and improving productivity.
Nick Bennett, Vice Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said:
"Businesses have a fundamental role to play in shaping the region's prospects. This Board creates a strong platform for the private sector to share real knowledge and experience - helping influence strategic decisions which will deliver a resilient economy and sustainable growth.”
The Business Advisory Board Members:
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Dave Penrith, Chair
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Nick Bennett, Vice-Chair
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Ian Gornall, Project Director, Knauf Insulation
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Claire Hinchcliffe, Development Lead, Forza Developments
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Edward Hunt, Senior Client Partner, Wales. BT Business
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Dr. Edward Jones, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Bangor University
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Jackie Pearson, Director of Corporate Affairs, Shotton Mill Limited
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Prof. John Reynolds, Managing Director, Reynolds Geo-Solutions
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Sasha Wynn Davies, Director, Sasha Wynn Ltd
For further details visit Ambition North Wales | Business Advisory Board
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Some of the new Business Advisory Board Members
Sasha Wynn Davies, Ian Gornall, Prof John Reynolds, Nick Bennett, Dave Penrith, Jackie Pearson