31 December 2008
Bryan Gray awarded CBE in New Year's Honours
Bryan Gray, Chairman of the
Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has been awarded a CBE
in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, in recognition for his
service to regeneration.
Since taking up the chairmanship of the NWDA in 2002, Mr Gray
has played an instrumental role in drawing together regional
partners to identify and implement a number of transformational
actions for the Northwest. Key initiatives include developing
MediaCityUK, leading the Northwest Climate Change Action Plan,
establishing the University of Cumbria, and helping to deliver
Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture programme.
Bryan Gray, NWDA Chairman, said:
“To be awarded a CBE is a great honour and one which I am
delighted to receive. As well as being an honour for me, I see this
as recognition of the work the Agency has instigated, led or
developed to ensure the ongoing economic regeneration of the
region. I am very proud today and even prouder to continue to be
part of the ongoing transformation of England’s Northwest.”
-ends-
Notes to editors
BIOGRAPHY
Bryan Gray is Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA). The NWDA is one of nine Regional Development
Agencies established by the Government to develop the English
regions.
Bryan was Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Baxi Group
Limited, one of Europe's leading heating companies and was latterly
Chairman of Baxi Technologies. He was Vice President of
Micropower Council, promoting new energy technologies.
He is Pro Chancellor of the University of Lancaster. He
leads for the RDAs on skills and education and is a member of the
National Learning & Skills Council. He was Chairman of
Preston North End Football Club until October 2001 and was founder
chairman of the National Football Museum. He is Chairman of
Liverpool Culture Company, a Trustee of National Museums Liverpool
and a member of Liverpool Cathedral Council.
From 2000 to 2002 he was Chair of CBI North West. He was
awarded an MBE for services to regeneration in Preston in 2001, and
an honorary fellowship of the University of Central Lancashire in
2004. He was a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire and was High
Sheriff of Lancashire in 2003/04. He is also Non-executive
Chairman of Westmorland Limited, a member of the Lake District
National Park Authority, Chairman of Urban Splash Hotel Company and
a Non-executive Director of United Utilities Water Company.
He is also Chair of Carlisle Renaissance.
Other interests include being Chair of the Lowther Castle &
Gardens Trust and Chair of the newly formed Churches Trust for
Cumbria.
In 2006 he was awarded HRH The Prince of Wales’ Ambassador Award
for the North West.
An image of Bryan Gray is available on request.
For further information please contact David Holden-Locke,
Public Affairs Manager on 01925 400244 or 07980 713289 or david.holden-locke@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view all press releases visit us
at www.nwda.co.uk/press
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (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