Oldham Business Leadership Group launches

A NEW business leadership organisation has launched in Oldham, with the aim of influencing economic development within the borough.

The Oldham Business Leadership Group aims to provide public policy makers with an understanding of the challenges facing Oldham businesses, particularly focusing on the economic development of the borough and its position within the Manchester city region.

Dave Benstead a director of Diodes Semiconductors and chair of the group said: “Oldham has some very successful business people with a great deal of experience who can make a significant contribution to the policies that will help secure a prosperous future.

“OBLG provides a forum where local business leaders, Oldham Council and Oldham Partnership can work effectively together.”

Charlie Parker, chief executive of Oldham Council, said: “The economic wellbeing of the borough is the responsibility of many different groups and organisations. To ensure that the policies that are made are in the best interests of all sectors it is vital that we get the views of everyone who can provide useful advice and information.”  

The organisation’s 14 members are: 

Dave Benstead, a director of Diodes Semiconductors (chairman);

William Lees-Jones, group managing director of Lees Brewery;

Ken Collett, manufacturing director of Money Controls;

Pam Pelham, managing director of AMP Wire;

Peter Greenhalgh, managing director of DCT Civil Engineering;

Gavin Wheeldon, chief executive of Applied Language Solutions;

Mike Braddock, managing director of Secure Options Group;

Phil Wiggett, managing director of Wiggett Group;

Nigel Newton, managing director of Clarke Telecom;

Jeremy Broadbent, chief executive officer of The Johnson Group;

Lee Crook, Nat West, director of business and commercial banking;

Mike Lindley, strategic director of Madeleine Lindley;

Nick McGilvray, managing director of Thorpe Whyman and Briggs Architects

Michael Bennett, managing director of Pelican Public Relations.