09 May 2008
New Carlisle Renaissance Board announced
Business leaders join the push for prosperity
Another important milestone for Carlisle Renaissance has been
reached following the announcement of appointments to the new
private sector led Board.
Bryan Gray, currently Chairman of the NWDA, has been appointed
as the Chairman of the Carlisle Renaissance Board and five other
non-executive appointments have also been announced. They will join
representatives from the City Council, Cumbria County Council,
Cumbria Vision and the NWDA on a 12-strong Board that is being
established to drive forward the delivery of Carlisle
Renaissance.
These appointments come on the back of the recently adopted
Economic Strategy for Carlisle and one of its first tasks of the
Board will be to put in place an Action Plan for transforming the
economic fortunes of Carlisle and its city-region, picking up on
existing work to revitalise the city centre and improve the city’s
infrastructure.
Bryan Gray has led the NWDA for six years and is due to step
down later this year. The NWDA is one of nine Regional Development
Agencies established by the Government to develop the English
regions. It is responsible for leading sustainable economic
development and regeneration in the Northwest. He is Chairman of
Urban Splash Hotels, a Non Executive Director of United Utilities
Water plc, Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company and Chairman of
Westmorland Motorway Services. He is a past Chairman of the
Confederation of British Industry (North West) and was awarded an
MBE for services to regeneration.
On his appointment Bryan Gray said:
“This is a tremendous challenge and I am excited about the prospect
of leading such a high calibre and committed Board through an
exciting period of change for Carlisle. There are already signs of
the renaissance of Carlisle; the University, two new Academies, the
Northern Development Route and of course the flood defences. There
is a great deal of progress to build on but we must be prepared to
take on the challenges that we face and remain confident.”
Cllr Mike Mitchelson, Leader of Carlisle City Council,
said:
“The level of interest in these positions and the calibre of those
who put themselves forward is testament to the ambition of Carlisle
and the confidence that many have in its potential. Since the
floods in 2005 we have worked hard to lay the foundations for
renaissance and to recognise the benefits that private sector
skills and experience can bring to this process.
“I am delighted that Bryan has agreed to lead the Board. As
Chairman of the NWDA he has been a supporter of Carlisle
Renaissance and what we are seeking to achieve. He has been
instrumental in the establishment of the University of Cumbria,
which will play a key role in improving the fortunes of this city
and its residents.
“Bryan is joined by some of the areas most successful business
people who have already demonstrated their commitment and support
for Carlisle in many ways. They bring with them a wealth of
experience and together with elected representatives and colleagues
from the public sector we have established a powerful Board that
can drive Carlisle Renaissance forward.”
Cumbria County Councillor Tony Markley said:
“The success of Carlisle is critical to the success of Cumbria,
particularly our aspirations for West Cumbria, the Energy Coast. To
make this happen not only must we work closely with the City
Council and other public sector partners but also with the private
sector. Partnership working is crucial to progress in the modern
economy and I firmly believe that the new Board will be a
tremendous asset to Carlisle and its plans for growth.”
Roger Liddle, Chairman of Cumbria Vision, added:
"Bryan's appointment is great news for Carlisle. He is a man to
make things happen and is a strong independent figure around which
the whole Carlisle community can rally to make the city a more
attractive place to live with more opportunities for
everyone.
"The make-up of the Carlisle Renaissance Board is an important
demonstration of the public and private sector working in
partnership to create more jobs and improve skills that lead to
higher paid jobs for the people of Carlisle."
The other appointments to the Carlisle Renaissance Board
are:
John Nixon, Managing Director, Carlisle United Football
Club.
John said:
“I wanted to join the Board of Carlisle Renaissance because as
joint chair of the Economic and Enterprise Group which drew up the
economic plan for Carlisle, I now want to see that plan carried
out. Also, as MD of the football club, I am in contact with
business groups and individuals all of whom focus on the City and I
can offer a sounding board, independent advice and the drive to
enable our renaissance programme to move to completion.”
Victoria Farley, General Manager, Hoopers Carlisle.
Victoria said:
“I have become passionate about Carlisle, with all its hidden gems,
its huge heritage and history and simply want, like so many of the
people I have listened to, the city to realise its potential. The
aspirations for the city and the wider community it serves should
be set realistically but should be as high as possible. I see a
vision for Carlisle as creating a unique ambience to rival other
attractive cities and offering the residents of the city and county
a sense of great pride in it's history and
culture.”
Robin Burgess, Chief Executive CN Group Limited.
Robin said:
“I am very committed to seeing Cumbria and Carlisle improve its
economic position and to lead the North West in performance levels.
Carlisle is my home, it is also very much an aim based on ensuring
my county, my city, my home prospers and that the people living in
the area benefit from economic growth. I hope that my experience in
business, my involvement in Cumbria Vision and my involvement in
many aspects of local life will be beneficial in helping moving
forward the economic development of Carlisle.”
Brian Scowcroft, Chairman and owner of Kingmoor Park Properties
Ltd.
Brian said:
“I am keen to make a difference to Carlisle and would like to work
with other like minded individuals and organisations to ensure that
this happens. The Carlisle Renaissance Board to my mind is the
perfect vehicle for delivering this major project for Carlisle and
I believe I have the necessary experience to play a part.”
Chris Carr, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria.
Chris said:
“I am looking forward with keen anticipation to working with the
other members of the Board in driving forward the projects which
will lead to the renaissance of Carlisle. A successful future for
the city will depend, in part, on ensuring that Carlisle can
provide high skill/high value employment opportunities. The
University has an important contribution to make in ensuring that
the future skills needs of potential employers are met. It will
also be able to contribute its developing intellectual capital to
the renaissance of the city in social and cultural terms, as well
as in economic contexts.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
• The establishment of a private sector led Carlisle
Renaissance Board was agreed by the City Council and County Council
in March 2007.
• There were 26 applicants for the six appointed positions on
the new Board.
• Biographies and photographs of the appointees to the Board
are available on request.
For further information please contact Sarah Irving,
Communications, on 01228 817150.