Chamber announces key director appointment

East Midlands Chamber has announced the key appointment of Richard Blackmore as its new director of policy and insight.

The role involves engaging with senior civil servants and government decision makers, at all levels, in shaping policy that enables economic growth in the East Midlands.

Richard takes up the post following eight months as head of special projects at the chamber.

Before joining, he worked for nine years at the Confederation of British Industry, seven of which were spent as Midlands director.

Richard said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of director of policy and insight.

“Since joining the chamber, I’ve enjoyed seeing first-hand the valuable work that takes place every single day in supporting, listening to and driving the asks businesses need for growth.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with businesses of all sizes, playing my part building on and continuing that journey, helping their success.

“We’re in the early days of devolution and the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s inception, we also have a General Election – and I stand ready to engage with whoever is placed to represent each part of the East Midlands, locally or nationally, to get the asks outlined in our Manifesto for Growth actioned and be that ear and strong voice of the business community.”

Scott Knowles, chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “One of the most important elements of the chamber’s role at the heart of the East Midlands business community is to be its voice and lobby those in power at local, regional or national level to get the best outcomes for businesses in the region and grow its economy.

“Richard’s thorough understanding of the needs of businesses across the East Midlands, the challenges they face and opportunities they can seize, arms him with the skill to be the crucial link between what the business community says it needs and then getting those things into policy and pushing for their implementation.

“I extend my congratulations to Richard as he takes on the post.”