NW Business Masters: The Ambassadors

THREE high calibre and well known North West business leaders are competing for TheBusinessDesk.com’s North West Ambassador award.

In the high profile North West Ambassador category, sponsored by marketing and PR agency MC2, the trio are  Mike Blackburn, the chairman of Greater Manchester’s Local Enterprise Partnership and regional director of BT; Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD Sports Fashion and Fred Done the charismatic chairman of Warrington-based BetFred.

All three have shown dynamic leadership over the last 12 months.

Mr Blackburn has helped drive the Manchester economic agenda forward via the LEP; Mr Done pulling off the £265m acquisition of the Government-owned bookmaker The Tote, despite opposition from the racing establishment; and Mr Cowgill continuing to lead Bury-based JD through challenging times by expanding in Spain, France and Ireland and most recently via the £20m  acquisition of ailing outdoor retailer Blacks Leisure.