Commision for economic developement,employmeny & skills

Date published: 24 July 2008

As part of Manchester's mission to become a world-class city region at the heart of a thriving North, the Commission for Economic Development, Employment & Skills has appointed its new Chair.

Mike Blackburn, Director, Central & Home Affairs, Government Services and Regional Director in the North West at BT, will undertake this new role which will initially be to deliver the new Multi-Area Agreement, announced by Ministers last week.

Mike says "I do not underestimate this daunting task which, whilst building on a strong foundation of economic growth, has much to do to create a world class city. My main role will be to bring together the strengths of the private and public sector, national and local agencies and the ten Metropolitan Councils, in a common purpose to grow the Manchester economy for the benefit of business and local people."

Lord Peter Smith, Leader of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, said "Mike brings an enormous insight to business activity in Manchester, and with his guidance I am convinced we will make the leap needed to pursue our vision of Manchester being recognised as a World-Class City. I must also pay tribute to Peter Heginbotham and the outgoing Board of Manchester Enterprises, who have successfully laid the foundations for this exciting new initiative."

The Commission will be private sector led, but include representatives from the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA). The Commission is one of six providing leadership on cross-Manchester issues as part of the City Region, who in turn will report to the newly formed Greater Manchester Executive.

The remaining members of the Commission will be announced shortly.

The Multi-Area Agreement is a partnership agreement between the ten Manchester Councils and Government, designed to remove barriers to growth in the area. Its purpose is to produce better services to support people and businesses through more effective working between Job Centre Plus, the Learning & Skills Council, Colleges, Regional Development Agency, Transport and Local Councils. They will be focussed on issues such as upskilling the workforce, worklessness, housing and planning, transport and site availability for economic growth.

The Commission will be supported by Manchester Enterprises which is the economic development agency of the ten Manchester Councils.