One of the region’s most notable business leaders has recently partnered with East Midlands Chamber to enhance its advocacy efforts with important decision-makers in the Government. Richard Blackmore, previously the Midlands director of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has been appointed as the head of special projects. In this newly-established senior role within the policy team, he will provide support in lobbying politicians and senior civil servants at various levels – local, regional, and national. Richard recently bid farewell to the CBI after an impressive tenure of seven years in his position and a total of nine years with the organization. During this time, he closely collaborated with Scott Knowles, the Chief Executive of the Chamber, and Chris Hobson, the Director of Policy and Insight, in presenting a unified business voice for the region.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Richard stated, “I am thrilled to join East Midlands Chamber and collaborate with Scott, Chris, and the entire team. Now, more than ever, businesses must take the lead in shaping the future economy. I eagerly anticipate contributing to this goal by working with our members across the East Midlands.”
The Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire plays a pivotal role in partnering with the Government to formulate policies that foster a favorable trading environment for the local business community, thereby fueling economic growth and job creation. As part of its strategic initiatives, the Chamber launched a regional economic blueprint, entitled “A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond,” which was presented in Westminster to local Members of Parliament. This document outlined the region’s economic priorities and presented a series of national policy requests to support businesses in achieving their objectives.
This important work will be expanded upon as the Chamber gathers valuable insights from the East Midlands business community in preparation for the upcoming General Election and the development of the East Midlands devolution program in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Richard will play a critical role in supporting these endeavors, as well as the Chamber’s ongoing collaboration with the East Midlands Freeport team to enhance the region’s unique offering to foreign investors.
Scott Knowles, the Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Richard’s appointment, stating, “Richard brings extensive knowledge and a profound understanding of the East Midlands region and its thriving business community. We are truly excited to welcome him to the Chamber team, as he will provide invaluable support in our policy engagement initiatives. These efforts are especially crucial as we navigate towards the General Election, the establishment of a new East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and other exciting economic opportunities.”
