Law firm chair to join devolution shadow board

A director at East Midlands Chamber and chair of law firm Geldards is set to join the Shadow Board of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority.

David Williams MBE will join the board as interim business representative.

He said: “It’s tremendously exciting to be right at the coal face of devolution and the benefits it will bring to our region in so many areas like transport, housing and investment in skills.

“The East Midlands has been my home for over 30 years now and working at the heart of business has given me first hand understanding of what the region needs to thrive.”

EMCCA is set to bring in around £4 billion of funding for the region, alongside evolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment and economic development.

It will be spearheaded by the elected East Midlands Mayor, who will be elected on May 2.

David said: “Working alongside political leaders, I’m really looking forward to playing a key part in ensuring people and businesses get the very best.  Bringing decision-making into the region itself, where it’s going to have actual impact, brings a great opportunity for economic growth.”