Coventry and Warwickshire Clearing House has confirmed that following an extensive search and selection process it has appointed the former leader of Rugby Borough Council as its first managing director.
Craig Humphrey will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management and financial sustainability, which is funded by the Regional Growth Fund, of the Clearing House which was launched as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s City Deal bid to government.
He became leader of Rugby Borough Council in 2002 but his new role means he has now stepped down along with his position as councillor for the Bilton ward.
Craig said: “I have been a businessman for over 20 years and I know the importance of innovation and creativity which the Clearing House is designed to foster particularly among the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.
“This is an exciting time in Coventry and Warwickshire as we build on our reputation for encouraging diversity and highly skilled jobs in various fields.
“I have close links with the area’s business community and I am looking forward to developing the work of the Clearing House which provides a single point of contact to give businesses all the support they need to grow.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to access the right kind of services to encourage growth, create jobs and boost the local economy and the Clearing House has all the elements it needs to make this a reality.”
Jonathan Browning, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, welcomed Craig’s appointment.
He said: “This is a key role and we are delighted Craig will be leading the team of account managers and specialists at the Clearing House who are already assisting businesses across the area.
“The Clearing House is designed to give a helping hand to ambitious companies who want to expand and would benefit from the wide range of specialist advice and practical support that we can provide.
“There is no doubt Coventry and Warwickshire has a blossoming reputation in advanced manufacturing and engineering but that doesn’t rule out businesses in other sectors from receiving support and Craig will be leading the way in ensuring businesses in the area have the right conditions to prosper.”