Thames Valley: LEP appoints Tim Smith as director
The Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVB LEP) has appointed Tim Smith MBE as its first full-time business director.Steve Lamb, chairman of TVB LEP, commented: “When recruiting for the role of business director we knew we needed a strong candidate who could promote innovation, enterprise and business diversity, as well as develop policy and strengthen and extend our existing relationships as well as build new contacts. Tim Smith’s impressive track record made him our unanimous choice.”
During the past 15 years Smith has held a range of senior positions in the Thames Valley including executive director at Reading UK CIC and chief executive at Newbury Town Council. Smith spearheaded several successful projects including the first business improvement district in the southeast securing £2 million private sector investment. He also designed and led the formation of Reading’s first economic development company, which has sustained Reading’s economic performance as one of the UK’s top five ‘cities’ for the past five years.
Meanwhile, Amanda Gee, managing director of Berkshire Media Group, takes up the position of TVB LEP executive board member representing SMEs. Gee has held senior posiitons with the Group for the past 17 years. Prior to this she held a variety of senior media roles in London. A working mum, Gee is a rotarian in Slough, a chair of the Windsor District Chamber of Commerce, and until recently trustee of the CBEBP.
The TVB LEP is a business-led body, working to maintain the status of the region as the engine of the UK economy, and to further attract inward investment. Its central initiatives are improving transport and infrastructure through the Western Rail Access to Heathrow (WRAtH) programme, widening access to superfast broadband throughout the Thames Valley, and ensuring a work-ready population through the development of skills and education opportunities.
resources: TVLEP website
