An influential entrepreneur with ties to Peter Gabriel is leading a new business board.
- Steve Purdham, co-founder of WE7, will chair the board.
- The board aims to boost Cheshire and Warrington’s economy.
- It includes members from diverse business sectors.
- The board will guide local authorities on economic strategy.
Steve Purdham, who has partnered with the iconic rock musician Peter Gabriel, is now at the forefront of a strategic initiative aimed at revitalising the economic landscape of Cheshire and Warrington. His appointment as chair of the new Business Advisory Board underscores a significant step towards fostering a more robust, sustainable, and inclusive economy in the region.
Purdham’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by notable successes, including WE7, a music streaming service he co-founded with Gabriel, which was later sold to a major retail corporation. His role as chair of the Business Advisory Board brings with it a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on bridging the private and public sector’s efforts to stimulate economic growth.
The newly formed board is a coalition of 21 seasoned professionals, each bringing distinct expertise to the table. Members range from pharmaceutical and tourism experts to educational leaders, such as a college principal and a former board member of one of Britain’s largest accountancy firms. This diversity ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing the economic challenges and opportunities within Cheshire and Warrington.
Local authorities in the region, namely Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council, and Warrington Borough Council, are poised to benefit from the board’s insights. Regular consultations with stakeholders will supplement the board’s findings, aiming to integrate business perspectives into the ongoing dialogue around economic strategies. Purdham sees this as a critical point of collaboration, stating, “The vision for Cheshire is one of growth,” emphasising the necessity for a symbiotic relationship between various sectors to achieve this.
The board is not just a consultative body but a proactive participant in shaping the economic future of the region. By facilitating knowledge exchange between the public and private sectors, it aims to harness the full potential of local industries. The board will actively partake in quarterly meetings to provide continuous updates and adjust strategies in alignment with emergent economic trends.
Councillor Louise Gittins, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington’s sub-regional leaders board, highlighted the unified vision shared by the councils to establish an economically vibrant region. She expressed confidence that the new board would keep businesses at the centre of this endeavour, aligning with the councils’ objectives to create a thriving environment for living, working, and business innovation.
The new Business Advisory Board under Steve Purdham’s leadership is poised to significantly influence Cheshire and Warrington’s economic development.