North East Transition Management Board

A private-sector led board (NETMB) – chaired by Ian Dormer, of Rosh Engineering, has overseen 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 has included 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 North East Board member and Vice Chairman of the Institute of Directors in London.

Ian Williams

Ian Williams is Director of Business and Industry at One North East.  Ian plays a key role in delivering One North East's policies to support the formation, growth and productivity of the region's businesses.

This is achieved by:

• Increasing innovation through delivery of the Strategy for Success via the Science and Industry Council and Centres of Excellence
• Improving access to investment and finance, supporting inward investors, including provision of aftercare, and encouraging export
• Improving access to business support, particularly through the Business Support Network
• Raising business productivity by increasing competitiveness through improving skills, technology and the region's knowledge base

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.

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 North East 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 North East.

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 North East, 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.

Simon Hanson

Simon Hanson works as the Policy Manager for the Federation of Small Business in the North East and is responsible for the policy development and lobbying in the region. Prior to joining the FSB Simon worked as Senior Policy Adviser at the North East Chamber of Commerce.

David Slater

In April 2008 David joined Newcastle City Council as Executive City Council as Executive Director Environment & Regeneration.  David Slater was Executive Director Regeneration and Resources for South Tyneside Council. 
He joined the Council in 2004 as Executive Director, Corporate Development.  He was previously a Civil Servant in Government Office North East, where he was Director of Competiveness and Europe.  He previously worked in Inland Reveue, Social Security, and then the Employment Department.  At an early stage in his career, he led the development of Investors in People.

John Rundle

John Rundle is Head of Division: Economy at Government Office North East.  His responsibilities include - lead RDA relationship management; policy and strategy; BIS policy including Business Support Simplification; Skills, Innovation and migration for the GO network.