Mark Whitworth to chair Skelmersdale growth plan

Mark Whitworth, the chief executive of Peel Ports and chair of West Lancashire College, has been appointed as the new chair of the Skelmersdale Place Board.

 

In his new role, Mark will work closely with fellow Place Board members and Ambassadors to help raise the profile of the town and borough as it plans to increase its population and business base.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to working with both the Place Board and Ambassadors to help promote Skelmersdale as a great place for business and to help generate further investment to the area.

"Skelmersdale is on the doorstep of a phenomenal catalyst for growth and is well-placed to capitalise on those new opportunities, particularly being in such close proximity to the Port of Liverpool (Liverpool2). I am delighted to be a part of Skelmersdale's exciting future."

The timing of Mark's appointment is pivotal to Skelmersdale's growth plans, including the regeneration of Skelmersdale Town Centre and proposed new rail link and station, which will be the 'growth game changer' to benefit the area and wider Lancashire / North West economy.

Steve Jones, who will be stepping down as current Place Board Chair, said: “I feel honoured to have been chair of the Skelmersdale Place Board during its formative phase and I am confident that Mark will bring the energy and drive that will help Skelmersdale reach its potential.

"I'm delighted to hand over the reins to Mark who in his current role at West Lancashire College shows his passion for the area and sees the potential of the skills and talent that we have here, as well as the potential for expanding and growing our businesses." Mark will start his role as Chair by hosting an exclusive event to meet the Skelmersdale Ambassadors who have already committed to join the Network on February 28.