Member Article

Hunt launched for new Business Link chief

The search has been launched for a new leader at the helm of one of the UK’s largest business support organisations. A recruitment exercise is now under way to appoint a dynamic Chief Executive to lead the new Business Link North East, which is due to open its doors on 1 April 2007.

Wearside businessman Paul Callaghan has already been appointed Chairman of the new organisation and dozens of regional business people have applied for the 14 board member positions, with appointments expected to be made early next month. The hunt is focused on selecting an individual with a proven track record in business to business services and who can provide strategic leadership at the highest possible levels.

Mr Callaghan said: “This is a truly unique opportunity for an ambitious individual to lead an organisation that is determined to provide an exceptional service which makes a real contribution to the economic development of the region.”

For the first time, Business Link North East will establish a single regional support service for current and potential entrepreneurs and will have a budget of approximately £30million in the first year. It has become the only organisation in the country to secure a joint contract from a regional development agency and the Learning and Skills Council to deliver both business and skills support services.

The new Chief Executive will build on the strengths of the four current sub-regional Business Link operators and their role will involve active engagement with businesses across the region to understand their needs. For further information visitwww.nrgplc.com/businesslink.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .