15 January 2010

New Chair and MD to Improve Prosperity in Cheshire & Warrington

A new era of partnership working is about to become a reality in Cheshire and Warrington with the appointment of two key posts to take forward a new Commission.

Robert Davis, Group Chief Executive Officer of EA Technology in Chester, has been appointed as the new Chair to oversee the Commission's transition from the existing Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance, as it takes on additional responsibilities for a wider prosperity role.

Since becoming Managing Director of international power engineering firm EA Technology in 2004, Robert has seen the company's turnover grow by more than 100%. He has recently led the development and establishment of the Energy Innovation Centre to support start-up businesses in the renewable energy technologies sector, based at Capenhurst.

Robert is President of the Institute of Asset Management.  He was elected to the North West Regional Council of the CBI and is a member of its Innovation, Science and Technology Committee. He also chairs the Northwest Regional Development Agency's North West Enterprise Forum.

Regarding his appointment, Robert commented: "I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to make a difference to the development of the sub region.  I am a Cheshire lad born and bred and feel a great affinity to the area and its enterprising people. Together, we can create a common vision to deliver wealth, jobs and sustainable prosperity in all of our diverse communities."

Aidan Manley has been appointed as the first Managing Director of the Commission.

Aidan will join from St. Helens Council where he is currently Head of Regeneration. He brings a wealth of experience in managing professional teams responsible for delivering complex regeneration and physical redevelopment projects.  He has been involved in a number of high profile schemes including mixed use, city centre joint ventures and the delivery of the St. Helens City Growth Strategy.

A graduate of Sheffield University, Aidan is also qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. Born and educated in Liverpool, Aidan has spent the majority of his working life in and around Northwest England. Previous positions include Merseyside Area Manager for the NWDA and Development Executive with English Partnerships (now the Homes and Communities Agency).

Commenting on the appointments, Cllr Ian Marks, Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Leadership Board said: "We are all delighted to have found two high calibre candidates in Robert and Aidan to lead the work of the new Commission. They will be working with a wide range of partners in both the private and public sectors to improve the prosperity and quality of life of people who live and work in our region."

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said:
"Robert and Aidan bring with them a broad range of experience and specialist expertise which will prove invaluable to the new Commission.  The NWDA is looking forward to working with the Commission and building on the success of CWEA to develop a strong sustainable economy."

For further information contact:
Tina Johnston, External Relations Manager
Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance
Tel: 01606 734187; Email: Tina.Johnston@cwea.org.uk

NOTES

Cheshire & Warrington's Commission
Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance is soon to become a new Commission, comprising a partnership of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Warrington Borough Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the private sector.  The Commission's role will be to enhance the prosperity of Cheshire and Warrington through co-ordinated economic development, regeneration, transport, housing and investment.

Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)
The NWDA leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life.
For further information visit: www.nwda.co.uk, www.englandsnorthwest.com