I'm an experienced Economic Development and Regeneration professional, with a proven track record of establishing and managing relationships with businesses and development partners to support job creation and growth.I provide economic advice on strategic corporate priorities, the Local Plan and regional and national strategies to ensure economic and growth priorities are considered for investment gain.I provide strategic direction and delivery – delivering regeneration projects to maximise high value skills retention, and provide much needed commercial infrastructure for growth businesses.I regularly meet businesses to understand their everyday needs, and advise businesses on available support – including interest free loans, workspace, business support, apprenticeship and employment support, government funding and business advisory services;I understand and promote the skills and apprenticeship agendas - I have developed a focussed network of contacts with universities to access appropriate skills for businesses – employer led skills is the priority!I am adept at partnership working to maximise service delivery value - building relationships between businesses and local FE and HE providers. I am a natural networker and enjoy talking to businesses and stakeholders. I promote regions as inward investment destinations, promoting an area's superb living environment, huge amount of commercial development land, and accentuating the skills profile of an area to encourage commercial investment.I have recently managed a small team of highly dedicated business support officers who are truly passionate about their jobs.Outside work I enjoy cooking, dog walking, reading, woodwork and a keen follower of rugby and cricket. I assist my son's school to grow its business contacts to generate alternative income and enrich the school curriculum with appropriate employer partnerships. My family are Clare, Jenny, James, and our rescue dogs Lenny and Florence.