University shaping city-region's economic policy with Greater Manchester Business Board

Manchester Met will be helping to lead and shape business policy in the city-region after Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Rothberg, was appointed to the Greater Manchester Business Board.

Prof Rothberg will join leaders from across Greater Manchester to provide a strong voice for business within local and national decision making.

The Business Board works with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to give insight, guidance and challenge to help shape strategy and policy in the city-region.

Prof Rothberg said: “I am very excited to be joining the Greater Manchester Business Board which will play a valuable role in driving sustainable economic growth across the city-region and delivering new job and economic opportunities.

“As a University, we pride ourselves on supporting commerce in Manchester, whether that is small and medium-sized enterprises developing new ideas or multinational companies developing their staff through Degree Apprenticeships. By working together on the new Business Board, we’ll be able to ensure that the city-region’s businesses remain at the forefront of innovation and growth.”

The new members were confirmed at a meeting of GMCA held in Bolton.

Earlier this year, Government confirmed its decision to move on from Local Enterprise Partnerships, the bodies appointed to drive regional economic development, with their functions transferred to local and combined authorities from April 2024.

In response, a new model was developed for Greater Manchester, creating a Greater Manchester Business Board which is fully integrated into GMCA.

As the Business Board continues its evolution, the new members will offer fresh perspectives, valuable experience and expertise gained in a range of sectors and topics critical to the city-region’s future success.

Also joining the Greater Manchester Business Board are:

• James Byrne, Partner, Sustainable Ventures
• Devrim Celal, CEO, KrakenFlex
• Laura Percy, Senior Development Director, LandsecU+I
• Michael Wilton, Director and Manchester office leader, Arup

Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board, Lou Cordwell OBE, said: “Following a thorough recruitment process, we are pleased to welcome James, Devrim, Laura, Steve and Mike to the Greater Manchester Business Board. Their insights and knowledge will be invaluable as we seek to deliver the right kind of economic growth, bringing people and planet with us. I would also like to thank the departing members for their contributions over the years.

“As we transition from the LEP model, and now with our membership refreshed, the Business Board will continue working with local leaders to give representation to our city-region’s business community. Together we remain committed to building a fairer, greener and more innovative Greater Manchester economy.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The Business Board performs an important role in Greater Manchester, helping us ensure perspectives from businesses of all sizes and from a range of sectors are considered by leaders. Lou and the Board also do fantastic work as advocates for Greater Manchester and our economic strengths, both nationally and internationally. I look forward to working with the new Board members to help our city-region reach its potential.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business, and Inclusive Growth, said: “In Greater Manchester we want to build an economy that works for more of our people. The Business Board has an important part to play, giving business leaders a voice and providing a forum for sharing their insights. The new Board members will help us as we seek to deliver on our ambition for inclusive growth.”