Michael Hulme has been appointed chairman of newly formed urban regeneration company New Vision for Furness and West Cumbria.
Hulme, the chairman of interactive media-company Teleconomy Group, was appointed by a panel comprising the chief executive of the North West Development Agency and leaders of Allerdale, Barrow and Copeland district councils and Cumbria county council.
The urban regeneration company aims to improve the area’s economic outlook by bringing together local authorities, local and regional development agencies and local businesses.
It will focus on improving road, rail and air connections and will target hi-tech engineering companies, renewable energy, and employment growth in the service sector and tourism industries.
Mike Shields, chief executive of the NWDA, said: “The decision to appoint Michael was unanimous.
“We are confident his business expertise and personal commitment to the area will enable the new URC to make an invaluable contribution to the economic regeneration of Furness and West Cumbria.”
The URC will be the North West’s third, following the success of similar companies in Manchester and Liverpool.
Formal designation by the government as a URC is expected shortly.
EGi News 18/07/02
