CBI's new North West Chair targets regional economic growth

Supporting businesses to overcome current challenges and build sustainable future growth is among the key priorities for the new Chair of the CBI North West Regional Council.

Martin Chown – Chief Executive Officer at Sellafield Ltd – has taken over as Chair from former Manchester Airport Managing Director Karen Smart.

In his role at Sellafield, Martin is responsible for leading one of the world’s most complex nuclear and industrial sites.

He has a strong commercial background in both public and private sectors, with past roles in the Cabinet Office and with Balfour Beatty, as well as GlaxoSmithKline, Toyota and Varity Perkins.

This cross-sector experience allows him to bring best practice from other industries into the nuclear sector, to help Sellafield Ltd become the company it wants to be for the benefit of its workforce, supply chain and stakeholders.

Martin is stepping into the CBI role at a difficult time for the economy, but believes the North West has plenty of strengths to call upon which can help businesses navigate current challenges and emerge stronger in the future.

He says he shares key CBI ambitions designed to boost regional prosperity, including action to overcome skills challenges, grow business investment and meet net zero ambitions.

Martin Chown, Chair of the CBI North West Regional Council, said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the CBI North West Region.

“I have always been impressed by the breadth and quality of businesses that are based in our region, and working alongside these business leaders is something I very much look forward to.”

Damian Waters, CBI North West Director, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Martin to the role of Regional Chair, and would also like to place on record my thanks to Karen for her contribution to the region during a challenging year.

“Martin brings a wealth of knowledge of the region and insight into the issues that matter to businesses. His expertise will be a major asset for businesses and for the CBI as we look to build renewed economic growth, work towards a net-zero future and implement the strategies for success set out in our Seize The Moment vision.”