A new body aimed at growing the West of England economy by bringing together businesses and universities has named its leadership team.
Aerospace leader Sir Iain Gray has been appointed as chair of the Futures West Foundation for Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth, while Andrea Dell has been named as director. The Futures West Foundation aims to bring together business leaders and academics to tackle the South West’s long-term challenges, aiming to “raise productivity, prosperity, and innovation.” The initiative will focus on the West of England, including Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Swindon, working closely with the University of Bristol, the University of Bath, the University of the West of England, and leading businesses to drive “sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”
Emeritus professor Sir Iain Gray was knighted last year for services to the aerospace industry. His distinguished career includes roles as managing director at Airbus UK, chief executive at Innovate UK, and director of aerospace at Cranfield University. In addition, he is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Aeronautical Society. Sir Iain also serves as chair of the Aerospace Bristol Museum and the Bristol-based digital engineering company CFMS. According to Sir Iain, “Having lived and worked in this region for many years, I know it very well. It has an incredible innovation heritage and such potential for greater prosperity. I also understand its challenges and am committed to tackling them to ensure we unlock greater investment in this region, which will drive innovation and deliver good, well-paid jobs and sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Andrea Dell, an alumnus of the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol, brings extensive experience in local government. She has previously led policy, democratic, and executive services at Bristol City Council and directed the One City Partnership Initiative from 2018 to 2023. Ms Dell said, “As someone who has worked and lived in the South West for over 20 years, I am passionate about our region and what it has to offer. The Futures West Foundation is a significant initiative that will help our region maximise its potential for the benefit of all those who live and work here. I am excited to be part of its future and look forward to starting work with Sir Iain and our partners.”
Matt Griffith, director of policy at Business West, noted the significance of these appointments, stating, “The appointment of the inaugural chair and director marks an important milestone for the Futures West Foundation. It has managed to secure exceptional talent that is really bought into this project and what the region wants to achieve.” He further added, “Policy makers and businesses all need evidence and hard data before making the choice to invest in a region, whether it’s the government choosing its next area of economic focus, or an international firm deciding where to establish its UK HQ. The Foundation is focused on providing that evidence base to inform smart investment decisions that benefit not just our region, but the wider UK economy too. Andrea Dell and Sir Iain will convene the key actors we need to deliver the research, collaboration and support to help drive sustainable and inclusive growth and the jobs and investment our region needs.”
The appointments of Sir Iain Gray and Andrea Dell are anticipated to significantly enhance the partnership between universities and businesses in the West of England, driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.