Haydn Biddle and Tricia Pedlar will take up their three-year appointments on 2nd April 2007, both representing the Business Sector, for a period of two years and eight months, until 13 December 2009.
Margaret Hodge 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 Midlands Development Agency (emda) will be able to use the knowledge and expertise that these appointments bring to help the region reach its full economic potential, boost productivity and create jobs and prosperity.”
Dr Bryan Jackson chair of emda, said:
“Both Haydn Biddle’s and Tricia Pedlar’s experience and knowledge of the East Midlands will be of great benefit, not only to emda, but the whole of the region. The new Regional Economic Strategy (RES) sets a clear vision for the East Midlands, and both Haydn Biddle and Tricia Pedlar, along with the entire Board, will be instrumental in driving the Strategy forward and making the East Midlands a flourishing region by 2020.”
In 2005-06, emda helped create or safeguard over 8,000 new jobs across the region, helped and encouraged over 4,250 people get a job and redeveloped 107 hectares of brownfield land – equivalent to 214 football pitches. emda aims to make the East Midlands a truly flourishing region by 2020 – with growing and innovative businesses, skilled people in good quality jobs, participating in healthy, inclusive communities and living in thriving and attractive places.
Haydn Biddle and Tricia Pedlar do not hold any other Public Appointments. Regional Development Agency Board posts attract a remuneration of £8,370 per year for a commitment of two days per month.
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 to be made public.
Haydn Biddle and Tricia Pedlar have not undertaken any political activity within the last five years.
