Latest News | 7 January 2021
Bev takes over partnership hot seat
A senior business lecturer at the University of Derby has been elected as the new chair of an enterprise agency in Derbyshire.
Bev Crighton, who is a senior lecturer in business management at the University of Derby, specialising in human resources and development, has been chosen for the role by the board of directors at Erewash Partnership.
As well as being the first person not actively working in a local business to take on the post, she is also the first woman to head the partnership in its 26-year history.
The partnership helps people start business and nurtures them through the difficult early phases and continues to support them when established with advice and practical support, which it has adapted through the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is headquartered in Long Eaton and has managed workspaces in the town and Ilkeston.
Bev said: “I’m very excited that my colleagues on the board had the confidence to confer this role on me at a difficult time.
“The partnership was set up to regenerate the local economy after it had suffered big losses of traditional industries and skills.
“It has done a great job over the years but now with this virus is facing new challenges to help businesses.
“But the hard work that the partnership is doing – while not being able to do some traditional activities – is helping to turn problems for individuals and businesses into new opportunities.”
The new vice-chair of the partnership is Richard Ledger, managing director of Draycott-based Millitec.
A fellow Marketing Derby Bondholder, the firm designs and manufactures machinery for the food industry and exports across the world.
Bev said: “I am delighted that Richard, who is very experienced at running a business, will be working in tandem with me to drive the partnership forward to help business and boost the area’s aspirations.”
