Marketing Lancashire bolsters board

Marketing Lancashire, the organisation created to promote the county, has announced the appointment of its new non-executive board directors from the private sector.

The new directors are: Margaret Bruce, pro vice chancellor (engagement) at the  University of Central Lancashire (UCLan); Jane Cole, general manager for Virgin Trains, Preston; Christine Cort, managing director of the Manchester International Festival.

Each of the directors brings valuable and complementary skills to the existing board of public sector stakeholders, and their credentials and success in the fields of education, infrastructure and world class events will play an invaluable role in the development of Marketing Lancashire and the destination.

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: “I am delighted to welcome Margaret, Jane and Christine to the board of Marketing Lancashire. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, contacts and skills to help support and encourage Marketing Lancashire’s objectives of driving growth in the visitor economy as well as being a strong, confident and unified voice that actively encourages and supports business generation across the county. Coupled with this they also have incredible passion and vision for Lancashire.”

Chair of the board of directors, Paul Heathcote, added: “I have always believed that a chairman’s job is most effective and most satisfying when you are able to build a team of talented individuals from a variety of complementary backgrounds.

“These appointments are truly excellent and bring balance and additional strength to the existing public sector directors. We aim to make one or two further appointments from the private sector in the very near future – it is a very exciting time for Marketing Lancashire going forward.”

The current board of Marketing Lancashire comprises:

Paul Heathcote (Chair)

Margaret Bruce, UCLan

Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Borough Council

Jane Cole, Virgin Trains

Christine Cort, Manchester International Festival

County Cllr Michael Green, Lancashire County Council

County Cllr Jim Lawrenson, Lancashire County Council

Cllr Ron O Keefe, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Cllr Michael Ranson, Ribble Valley Borough Council