New board members at the Institute of Economic Development

The Institute of Economic Development (IED) has announced four leading figures have joined its board of directors.

They include the chief executive of the LEP Network, Mark Livesey, who has been co-opted on to the board of directors.

Under Mr Livesey, the LEP Network champions the impact and value of LEPs in building local economic growth and prosperity across the country.

He is also a former senior civil servant at the Department for Communities and Local Government, where he headed up the High Streets, Town Centres and Coastal team, ran the Housing and Planning Minister’s Private Office and led the national review of Business Improvement Districts amongst his roles over 17 years.

Gemma Davies, director of economy and housing at Cheshire West and Chester Council, has been appointed to the IED board of directors.

‘One area of focus, and where I can bring fresh ideas, is inclusive growth,’ said Ms Davies.

‘We are one of the first local authorities to declare a poverty emergency, and we have a sub-regional inclusive and sustainable growth commission, so there is a natural fit with the Institute’s work. That push on community wealth, and commitment not to leave anyone behind, is a response not just to poverty but also encouraging the conditions for an economy that does not set out to create inequalities.’

In addition, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council’s assistant director for strategy and economy, Paul Frainer has also joined the IED board.

‘I see the IED as a catalyst for economic development, joining up the dots in terms of ideas, initiatives and innovation in what has traditionally been quite a disparate sector,’ said Mr Frainer.

And Kettering Borough Council’s principal regeneration officer, Greg Ward has also joined the board.

He re-joined Kettering last year after 10 years away with South Northamptonshire Council where he worked as senior economic growth officer and economic development officer, has also previously held posts at Northamptonshire County Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Photo Credit – Geralt (Pixabay)