North East Transition Management Board

The private-sector led board (NETMB) – chaired by Ian Dormer, of Rosh Engineering, will oversee the review of business support and simplification in the North East. The board is made up of organisations representing users, key funders and the third sector and their main roles include overseeing simplification and advising key funders and partners, reviewing regional business support, influencing regional priorities and sharing good practice

Chair – Ian Dormer

Ian Dormer, owner of Rosh Engineering Ltd, is a specialist contractor to the electrical supply industry.  Ian has been an active member of regional business and education focussed groups for many years and is currently a One NorthEast Board member and Vice Chairman of the Institute of Directors in London.

Pat Ritchie

Pat Ritchie is currently Assistant Chief Executive (Strategy) at One NorthEast.  Pat plays a key role in leading on the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and the RDAs’ implementation of the Sub National Review (SNR).  Pat is also currently leading on the national RDA responsibility for Communities and Local Government policy in skills, with particular focus response to the Leitch Review and on the Science & Innovation agenda.

Douglas Robertson

Douglas is the Director of Business Development and Regional Affairs at Newcastle University.  He is also Douglas a founding Director of the Institute of Knowledge Transfer and Praxis Ltd, and a board member of NES General Partner Ltd, Codeworks Ltd and other emerging technology businesses.  Douglas has worked in research and technology transfer since 1983, with appointments at Leeds, Strathclyde, Nottingham and Newcastle Universities.

Gillian Miller

Gillian Miller works as Regional Director of Skills for the LSC, Tyne and Wear; she leads a regional team responsible for a range of skills policy areas, including Offender Learning and Skills, Train to Gain and Skills for Life.  Gillian’s previous experience has included working as an economist, managing European Funding and leading on Economic Development for a local authority.

Neil Robertson

Neil Robertson works for Governement Office for the North East as Deputy Regional Director, Economy, Tyne and Wear.  Neil’s previous work has involved leading on skills development, having worked for the Scottish Further Education Unit and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.  Neil has also previously worked at the DfES and DIUS, with responsibilities for skills development, adult learning and employability.

Sandra Cartlidge

Sandra Cartlidge works for Middlesbrough Council and has played a key role in a number of key redevelopment projects, including delivery of the Digital City Zone.  Sandra has considerable experience in economic development and has worked for a range of organisations in the private, pubic and voluntary sectors.  Sandra has extensive partnership working experience and co-ordinating service delivery, including Business Link.

Kate Welch OBE

Kate Welch is the Chief Executive of Acumen Development Trust, which works to achieve social and economic regeneration in East Durham, and a One NorthEast Board Member.  Kate has a vast range of experience in community development and has worked for JobCentre Plus, County Durham Training and Enterprise Council and Community Industry on Tyneside.  Kate currently sits on a number of Boards, focussing on community engagement and was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to Social Enterprise in the North East.

Jo Boaden

Jo Boaden works as Director of Information at Business Link North East, covering policy, performance, information and developing joint working with local authorities, amongst others.  Jo’s previous roles have included working as Chief Executive for the North East Assembly and Chief Officer for Briding NewcastleGateshead, a multi-million pound regeneration initiative.

Hugh Morgan Williams

Hugh Morgan Williams is Chairman of Canford Group, a manufacturing and distribution company of professional audio, broadcast and security equipment.  Hugh is a senior industry figure in the North East of England with particular skill in change management, SME start-ups, funding, development, acquisition and investment.  Hugh is also chairman of North East Economic Forum and has previously been a Board member of One NorthEast.

Andrew Sugden

Andrew Sugden works as Director of Membership and Policy for the North East Chamber of Commerce and is responsible for development and communication of policy as well as representing business at local, regional and national level.  Prior to joining the NECC, Andrew worked for One NorthEast, being involved in production of the Regional Economic Strategy, he has also worked in a range of research and marketing roles in the IT Industry.

Colin Stratton

Colin Stratton is a successful self-employed businessman.  Colin has a strong interest and commitment to the development of small businesses and is currently the North East Regional Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses.