Joe Dwek CBE, Business Board member NWRDA

Why I do it?

Having spent virtually all my career in business and financial sector I then was appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to chair the Mersey Basin Campaign, a 25 year project to redress the industrial decay, highly visible in the waterways and surrounds. The environment problem was one of the issues which gave rise to the Toxteth riots. During that tenure of office I became aware of the huge environmental problems affecting the region, and resolved to take an active interest in this remediation.

My business experience and particularly my work as chair of the CBI North West gave me an insight into the problems of business, which was further influenced by a ten year appointment at the DTI to oversee support for business – selective financial assistance.

The powerful combination of these two disciplines was easily replaced by the work done by the Agency so, not only did I have the experience, but I also had the appropriate knowledge.

Thus, many complicated projects have been brought to fruition, giving vitality and affecting the lives of citizens in the North West across the business sector. Environmental improvements have a direct correlation with economic benefits, jobs, output and growth.

My particular roles therefore include: Chair of the Environmental Sub-Committee and Vice Chair of the Enterprise and Skills Sub-Committee as well as a number of Task and Finish Committees. These involvements have spin-offs such that I have chaired Envirolink, Enworks and am currently Chairman of Newlands.

Variety:

The NWDA is involved with many partnerships, projects, initiatives and schemes within the region, engineering change, acting as a catalyst for programmes and generally unblocking problem areas to get things done. This makes it a challenging and unique experience. 

Championing:

Board members bring a wealth of diverse experience and knowledge to debate and discussion, with a good cross fertilisation of ideas and comments. My particular lead is on the Environment where it is important to give a good quality of life to our citizens, whilst dealing with regeneration, so as to make it the right environment for firms to locate to the North West and invest here.

The task work in hand covers a wide range of activities such as, climate change, renewable energy, waste technologies, regional parks, forestry, waste strategies and street greening.

Making a difference:

The current work is very satisfying because results are there to be seen and are properly measured. It is not about attending Committee meetings, but about getting things done and influencing regional strategy and development. It is no longer good enough for business to sit on the outside, looking in, but it is now time for business to get involved directly with the major issues that affect their ability to succeed and grow.

Vanda Murray, OBE, Deputy Chair, Northwest Regional Development Agency

Why do I do it?

I joined the NWDA Board in 2005 and took up the position of Deputy Chair in 2008.

During my time here I have had the opportunity to get directly involved in influencing, guiding and advising on some of the most important activities that are transforming the economy of the Northwest and I feel a great sense of pride to be able to play a part in and contribute to this.

I have the chance to work with a range of talented people from all sorts of different backgrounds, who are all working towards the same goal of promoting economic growth in the region and improving quality of life for all, and it’s an incredibly inspiring and motivating environment to be involved in.

Scope and Variety

The NWDA is involved in a huge range of activity right across the whole of the Northwest, from supporting businesses and driving growth in key business sectors to bring major events to the region and promoting the Northwest as a tourist destination and so the role of a Board member can be extremely varied and rewarding.

Championing and focusing:

Each board member leads on a number of key areas, which enables us to utilise our specific areas of expertise and knowledge.

With my background in the private sector, my responsibilities include chairing the Enterprise and Skills Sub-Committee, the Northwest Manufacturing Strategy Group and the Maximising the Potential of the Workforce Group, each of which are key priority areas for the NWDA in driving economic growth in the Northwest. I am also Chair of North West Business Link.

I am also a keen champion of the women’s enterprise agenda at the Agency, an area that I am particularly passionate about, and as a Women’s Ambassador representative, I am also responsible for championing and promoting women’s enterprise in the region.  This means that one day I could be involved in the Women in Business Awards, and the next, supporting the development of the Northwest Women’s Enterprise Action Plan.

Making a difference:

The NWDA continues to create a tangible impact upon the growth of the regional economy and I am proud to be playing a part in the region’s achievements. I have the unique opportunity to see first hand some of the valuable work underway to improve the economy of the Northwest, and to witness the impact that this is having on the ground gives a great sense of achievement. I would urge anyone who is interested in the work of their RDA to get involved.