01 January 2003
Regional Major Events Strategy for England's Northwest
Following the enormous success of the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, and the announcement of Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) and its partners now intend to be the first English region to develop a long-term strategic approach to major events.
Recognising the substantial beneficial effect on the image, economy and tourism potential, a regional major events strategy is a key component of the Northwest Regional Economic Strategy and the Northwest Tourism Strategy.
The strategy development was given a big boost this week when the NWDA appointed an international consortium of consultants led by Mick Aitken from mjaMatchpoint, to work with the Agency and its regional partners to develop the proposals. Wigan-born Mick Aitken was formerly Chief Executive of the Queensland Events Corporation and along with the other members of his team, has worldwide experience of major events management, evaluation and development. The high-powered consortium also includes Craig McLatchey, the former Secretary General of the Australian Olympic Committee, and one of the key executives responsible for the Sydney Olympic Games, now Chief Executive of IOC-owned company, Olympic Games Knowledge Services.
Peter Mearns, NWDA Director of Marketing said:
"England's Northwest is a region with a growing reputation of being a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work and visit. We want to build on this and our proven track record of delivering world-class events such as the Commonwealth Games, and we also want to capitalise on Liverpool's nomination as European Capital of Culture for 2008.
The appointment of mjaMatchpoint's high calibre consultancy team will help us shape our long-term events strategy to make sure that the Northwest is one of the leading event destinations in the world"
The key work of the consortium will be consulting with all the main partners in England's Northwest, and appropriate contacts nationally and internationally, to develop proposals for a 10-year programme of major events. In addition, options will be developed for the on-going management and development of the strategy, and a robust consistent framework for measuring the impact of individual events. Consultation will take place during the autumn and it is intended the strategy will be complete by early 2004.
Mick Aiken from mjaMatchpoint said:
"As a native of the Northwest, it is terrific to see the region's commitment to capitalising on the success of the Manchester Commonwealth Games and Liverpool's exciting plans for 2008. The boldness of the region's ambition is both exciting and challenging. We have brought together a hugely experienced team that is looking forward immensely to helping reinforce the Northwest's growing reputation as a world class location for major events."
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For further information please contact Lisa Margis, Press Officer on 01925 400205 or 07980 713272 or Lisa.Margis@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk
The Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England"s Northwest and has 5 key priorities: Business Development, Regeneration, Skills & Employment, Infrastructure and Image.
Notes to Editors
The mjaMatchpoint consortium consists of:
1. Mick Aitken - MD mja Matchpoint - former Chief Executive, Queensland Events Corporation, now advising worldwide on strategic planning, bidding for, managing and evaluating major and international events.
2. Craig McLatchey, Chief Executive, Olympic Games Knowledge Services - created in Dec 2001 by the International Olympic Committee.
3. Wyn Fanshawe, MD OPL - a specialist consultancy in the development and implementation of national and international strategic marketing partnerships
4. Howard Wells, Chair CCPR and former Chief Executive of the UK Sports Council and Hong Kong Sports Development Board
5. Dr. Maggie Semple OBE, Chief Executive, The Experience Corps and formerly Director of the Learning Experience, Millennium Dome and Director of Education and Training, The Arts Council of England
6. Dr. Christopher Hunn, economist specialising in economic modelling and impact analysis of major events