Beverley Hurley and Stuart Evans representing the Business Sector and Marco Cereste representing Local Authorities will take up their three-year appointments on 14 December 2007. Stephen Timms said:
"The RDAs have a crucial role to play as drivers of economic development in their region, working to reduce imbalances within and between regions. The East of England Development Agency will be able to use the knowledge and expertise these appointments bring to help the region deliver its Regional Economic Strategy to reach its full economic potential, boost productivity and create jobs and prosperity."
Richard Ellis, chair of the East of England Development Agency, said: 'I'm delighted to welcome Bev and Stuart to the EEDA board, and that Marco has been reappointed. Bev and Stuart bring a wealth of business and commercial experience and good knowledge of the East of England to EEDA. Marco has made a strong contribution to the board throughout his tenure as a board member representing business, and I am sure he will do the same in his new role, representing local authority interests. I am looking forward to working closely with all three of them to drive forward the economic prosperity and success of the region.'
These posts attract a remuneration of £8,371 per year for a time commitment of 2 days per month.
Government funding for EEDA in 2007-08 is £139.3 million.
Since EEDA was established in 1999, not one community in the East of England has remained untouched by EEDA's support. EEDA's interventions have helped to create or safeguard over 28,000 jobs across the region, and assist nearly 113,000 people with skills development. More than 7,000 businesses have been supported to start up and grow in the East of England, while nearly 37,000 businesses have been helped to improve their performance. Over 200 hectares of brownfield land (approximately 200 football pitches) have been re-claimed as a direct result of EEDA projects.
These appointments were made following open competition in accordance with the requirements set down in the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public
