Matt Callaghan Email & Phone Number

Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

Responsible for delivery of the Business Anchor within the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. Elements of this programme include but are not limited to:- Grow the local business base by facilitating new start-ups and the growth of existing businesses through provision of grants and a programme of business support, including local supplier development to assist businesses to tender for contracts- To support businesses with carbon reduction - Shorten local food supply chains and raise the profile of local food and drink - Events in the City Centre linked to Swansea Market to drive footfall and support our existing businesses. - Facilitate the development of commercial floorspace in strategic employment sites to meet the needs of existing businesses and inward investment

Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

Responsible for developing and leading on the business engagement strategy for Swansea Council and implementing a wide range of business support programmes. To develop a successful programme I have engaged with and developed strong relationships with a wide range of business support stakeholders, creating positive, effective and mutually beneficial programmes for the benefit of the local business community.Created the Business Swansea programme which seeks to ensure a greater uptake of business support services by local companies. This includes development of business support programmes within the Council and engaging with stakeholders to ensure a joined-up approach.Played a key role in development and delivery of the Business Support Anchor for Swansea Council's Shared Prosperity Fund. In particular this has focused on development of and subsequent management of a £2m Grant Funding programme aimed at schemes including Pre-Start, Carbon Reduction and Business Growth.

Appletree Court, Lyndhurst

Responsible for advising the Council on its economic strategy, on developing and implementing initiatives which support the local economy, and on the promotion of District’s economic interests, including in a regional and sub-regional context. I provide guidance on legislation and government initiatives relating to economic development, including funding opportunities.I researched the evidence base for and wrote the District Council's Economic Development Strategy which was adopted in 2018 and now dictates the work programmes of the Economic Development Team. I had Line Manager responsibility for the 4 members of the team (3 Line Manged directly) and their associated work programmes. I also manage Team Initiatives Budget which was used to develop programmes which deliver against the objectives as set out in the aforementioned Strategy. I worked closely with outside organisations, including Local Enterprise Partnerships, Government bodies, economic development bodies, the Local Business Partnership, the business community and other local authorities, to promote sustainable economic development within New Forest District, and ensure best practiceThe role involved providing information and advice to senior officers and Members on all matters relating to economic development.

Lyndhurst, United Kingdom

This role saw me develop a range of specialist projects aimed at improving the vibrancy of the local Economy. This included the Brand New Forest Scheme, an initiative with the objective or raising the awareness and profile independent businesses within the New Forest including the creation of the Brand New Forest Card, a retail based customer loyalty scheme. In addition I was Project Lead for an Interreg Funded programme to support and promote the uptake of local produce in the area. Specifically the project worked to develop improved supply chains between producers, shops and restaurants and end-users. I undertook a wide range of research and intelligence work to inform Council policy on future Economic Development initiatives.

Lyndhurst, Hampshire

In this role I was responsible for developing the District Council’s engagement with the business community. This involved developing the role for New Forest Business Partnership, an independent organisation designed to be a conduit between the local authority and the wider business community. I established and developed new communications channels for this engagement including a business newsletter (hard copy) and eNewsletter as well as making significant improvements to the Council’s business facing web presence. I established new and improved relationships with local business support partners including but not limited to the Enterprise Agency, Business Link and Job Centre Plus

Petersfield, Hampshire

Responsible for the administration of and supported the work of the Economic Development Team. This included being the first point of contact for incoming enquiries, maintaining the customer record management system and organising and recording of meetings both internally and with partners. I undertook work to promote the tourism destination service including based web editing and assisted in developing a hard copy business newsletter distributed to businesses throughout the district.

Foundation Degree, Business Operations And Management, Distinction

Modules undertaken include: Conducting a Management Project Delivering Coaching & Mentoring Project Management for Results Change.

2:1, Geography, 2:1

Education record