Enterprise partnership elects university lecturer Bev as new chairwoman

take on the post she is also the first woman to head the Partnership in its A UNIVERSITY academic specialising 26-year history. in business has been elected as The Partnership helps people the new chair of enterprise start business and nurtures agency Erewash them through the Partnership. difficult early phases

Bev Crighton, who is and continues to a senior lecturer in support them when business management established with at the University of advice and practical Derby specialising in support which it has human resources and adapted through the development, was chosen Covid-19 pandemic. It is by the board of directors Bev Crighton headquartered in Long which she joined in 2015, although Eaton and has managed work she had worked with the Partnership spaces in the town and Ilkeston before that. “I’m very excited that my

As well as being the first person not colleagues on the board had the actively working in a local business to confidence to confer this role on me at a difficult time,” said Bev.

“The partnership was set up to regenerate the local economy after it had suffered big losses of traditional industries and skills. It has done a great job over the years but now with this virus is facing new challenges to help businesses.

“But the hard work that the Partnership is doing - while not being able to do some traditional activities - is helping to turn problems for individuals and businesses into new opportunities.”

Bev began her career in banking and after reaching managerial level worked for a major newspaper group for 20 years including in human resources and development. She worked in education management and as a lecturer in the private sector before joining the university 11 years ago.

In her new role, Bev is keen to introduce innovative ideas that she has picked up from working with other boards. She would like to introduce a graduate member scheme with students that have started businesses to inject new ideas.

“As the chair I would expect to network on behalf of the Partnership and raise the profile as far as that is possible,” she said.

Bev has taken over from Ian Hopkinson, of Derwent Analytics, who was chair for the past four years. He has retired and moved to Lincolnshire.

The new vice-chair of the Partnership is Richard Ledger, managing director of Draycott-based Millitec, which designs and manufactures machinery for the food industry and exports across the world.

He is also chair of Long Eaton Town Board, which is shaping an investment plan for the town in the hope of winning substantial Government funding. Bev said: “I am delighted that Richard, who is very experienced at running a business, will be working in tandem with me to drive the Partnership forward to help business and boost the area’s aspirations.

“We have a small hard-working team, well-led on a daily basis for 26 years by chief executive Ian Viles, but we punch above our weight and will continue to do so.”