New Chairman for Greater Manchester Business Leadership Council

John Early

John Early has been appointed Chairman of the new Business Leadership Council for Greater Manchester by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA). Well known to many in the City region, Mr Early was an executive director of AMEC Plc until 2007, and was responsible globally for a wide range of regeneration and PFI/PPP projects. Now a partner in Gener8 Developments LLP, Mr Early has also been Chairman of Manchester Central Convention Complex since 2005, is a past President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and a Director of Manchester Enterprise and of The Manchester and Salford Housing Market Renewal Partnership.

Lord Peter Smith, Chairman of AGMA said: “AGMA is committed to ensuring a stronger voice for business in shaping policy for the City Region, and the new Business Leadership Council will ensure that happens. It is vital that the Council should have a Chairman of the highest calibre from day one, and that is what John’s appointment gives us. A highly respected businessman, well regarded in the business community, he also understands local government and partnerships, and will ensure that the council exerts real and positive influence. All the AGMA leaders are committed to ensuring that the new Business Leadership Council has real influence and authority, and is not seen as a talking shop.”

Angie Robinson, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, also warmly welcomed the appointment: “I’m very pleased that John has accepted the role of Chair. He has a fantastic track record as a businessman and someone who can work very effectively with public sector partners. There is great interest in the Business Leadership Council and having John as the inaugural Chairman will ensure that the group gets straight down to the business of being a significant voice and influence on the economic development and success of the city region”.

John Early, newly appointed Chairman, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to chair the new Business Leadership Council. Manchester City Region has huge international potential, and should be a powerful engine of economic growth for the North of England. The leaders and Chief Executives of the AGMA authorities are working together with real determination to ensure that business plays its full part in shaping the policies which will bring greater prosperity to the region; it will be a privilege to work with them and with my colleagues from the business community to ensure that policy reflects the needs and priorities of business. That will make us all better off.”

AGMA will be progressing further appointments to the Business Leadership Council from representatives of the Greater Manchester business community over the forthcoming month and a further announcement will be made when these appointments have been finalised.