Blackburn takes over as new IoD chair in North West

Well-known business leader Mike Blackburn has been announced as the new Institute of Directors’ North West regional chair.

Taking up the role following the end of Mike Perls’ three-year tenure, Blackburn will work with business leaders throughout the area, and with the IoD’s sub-committees in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire and Merseyside to communicate regional issues and influence national policy.

Blackburn, who is well known and respected in the region’s business community for his work with a number of private and public organisations is currently BT’s North West regional director and also chairman of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.

Within these roles, which also include his work with the Greater Manchester Enterprise Zone, the skills and employment partnership and GM’s Digital Strategy Board, he is well placed to champion the IoD’s work in the region as it supports entrepreneurs to grow and succeed by providing professional business training and networking opportunities.

Blackburn Mike is also a former winner of the IoD Director of the Year Awards; the national accolade for Non-Executive Director was presented to him in London in October 2016.

He said: “I am absolutely honoured and thrilled to have been appointed as the region’s new chair.

“With this role comes great responsibility and, from the outset I want to affirm my commitment to our members; from day one I will use my voice to champion and promote the issues close to their hearts on a national stage.”