Trio to join NWDA board

TWO senior businessmen and a trade unionist are joining the board of the North West Development Agency, the Government has announced.

David Goldie, director of listed telecoms group TalkTalk and Clive Elphick, a former chairman of the CBI in the North West and formerly a senior executive with United Utilities, are the representatives from the business community.

Frank Hont, North West regional secretary of the public service trade union Unison, will also join the board of the Warrington-based agency from today, serving until the end of 2012.

Rosie Winterton, minister for regional economic coordination said: “The Regional Development Agencies are playing a key role in supporting businesses during the recession and are vital to driving future economic growth throughout the country.

“Clive, David and Frank’s knowledge and understanding of their region’s economy will be hugely beneficial as we come through the recovery and enter a new chapter of growth in the North West.”

Robert Hough, chairman of  NWDA said: ‘’The NWDA Board plays a vital role in building a dynamic, international economy in England’s North West.

“The business expertise and extensive experience of Clive, David and Frank is a crucial asset for the agency, particularly as the region moves from recession to recovery.”

Each will be paid £8,666 a year for a mimimum of two days’ work a month with the agency.