Steven Broomhead - Chief Executive

As Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Steven Broomhead is responsible for a budget of £1.5 billion for the three years up to 2009, assets of approx £200 million, 400 staff and an extensive remit encompassing the economic, social and regeneration development of England’s Northwest.

During his tenure, Steven has overseen rapid progress in the work of the agency as it develops a £106 billion economy to improve the prosperity and quality of life for the region’s 7 million citizens.  The National Audit Office has recently carried out a detailed quality audit of the Agency and the outcome was “Performing Strongly” – the highest grade available.

Until 2003, Steven was Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council (Unitary).  During his 5½ years in this position, the Borough received excellent inspection reports and Warrington was recognised nationally as a major centre for enterprise and inward investment.

From 1994 to 1997, Steven was the Principal of Warrington Collegiate Institute. Prior to this, he was Principal of a Tertiary college in Easington, County Durham (1990-1994) and Vice Principal of Skelmersdale College in Lancashire (1986-1990).  At the age of 33, he was the youngest appointment ever made at Principal level in the college sector. 

Due to his early career in education, Steven is a committed advocate of lifelong learning and was awarded the BT National Lifelong Learning Award for his contribution to skills and education. Additionally, he has been a member of the National Skills Alliance since 2003; an organisation responsible for driving the demand-led national strategy for skills and learning. In 2001 he was appointed by the Government as a member of the Board for the Learning & Skills Development Agency, something he was well suited to as a previous Board member of the Basic Skills Agency and a former Chairman of a ‘Connexions’ company.  In 2006 he was given an award for his regional contribution to equality and disability.

His numerous other roles include being a governor of the University of Central Lancashire and Chairman of Governors at Skelmersdale College. He is also a Patron of the Campaign for Learning. He has previously been President of the Warrington Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Northwest Chamber of Commerce and is active with the CBI/IoD within the region.

Outside of his work, Steven is the Vice Chairman of Warrington Wolves Rugby League Football Club and a member of the board of the Prince’s Trust for the region.  Married, he lives near Preston in Lancashire.