Among the new appointees is Swindon-based commercial law specialist Kate Westbrook, Partner and Head of Commercial at Thrings. She joins the board alongside Ed Rowberry and Alistair Colston to help guide the organisation’s long-term strategy for growth, innovation and investment across the West of England.
Business West represents thousands of employers through the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative and Swindon Chamber of Commerce. The new directors will each chair a Local Advisory Committee for their respective areas, ensuring local business priorities are fed directly into regional decision-making.
The appointments come as Swindon’s economy continues to evolve, with regeneration in the town centre and growth in technology, advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors strengthening its role within the wider region.
Colin Skellett, Chair of Business West, said:
“Kate, Ed and Alistair are not only experts in their respective fields, but also highly influential in their local business community. This makes them ideal chairs for our Local Advisory Committees, helping to ensure we deliver on our ongoing commitment to driving long-term prosperity for businesses and our region.
“Our new non-executive directors join us at a pivotal time, with a change of Chief Executive due to take place next spring. They will help ensure the smooth transition of leadership, whilst bolstering our board and ability to achieve our vision.”
Kate Westbrook said she was delighted to represent Swindon on the board.
“As someone who enjoys being able to help businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their potential in my day job, I’m thrilled to be joining Business West’s board and support their vital work to drive growth and innovation in the South West, bringing together like-minded people from across the region as part of a wider mission to ensure we compete on a national and global stage.”
Ed Rowberry, Chief Executive of BBRC and President of the Bristol Chamber & Initiative, said:
“Business West plays a crucial role in bringing together the people, organisations and ideas that drive our region forward. I’m delighted to join the board at such an important time for our local economy – one where collaboration and purposeful investment are essential to creating long-term, inclusive prosperity for businesses and communities across the region.”
Alistair Colston, Consultant and RICS Registered Valuer at CSquared, said:
“I have enjoyed my involvement with Bath Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative in B&NES over the past 20 years and have benefitted greatly from the support of the business community in which CSquared works. Being appointed to the Board of Business West is a privilege that gives me the opportunity to represent the interests of our local business community at the regional level, and I look forward to playing an active part in Business West’s drive to support businesses to grow and prosper.”
For Swindon, the appointment of Westbrook marks an important step in strengthening the town’s influence within the West of England’s economic landscape.
