A leading planning figure will be bringing a career of national experience to help companies expand in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Bill Blincoe has been appointed as the independent planning advisor for the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, the one-stop-shop for support and advice for businesses.
Blincoe joins the Growth Hub to help expanding companies with any planning issues or problems and to work with local authorities to help ensure firms get the best experience possible when looking to grow.
He has spent his career in planning and development and has worked for major construction and housing companies including Crest Nicholson, Gallagher Estates Bloor Homes and Fairview Homes.
“It is very exciting to be in an organisation that is so driven to help improve the economy of the area. The Growth Hub is there purely to help companies realise their potential and often planning is key to that,” he said.
“I will be working with small companies right through to some of the leading players in our area, all with the aim of helping them achieve their aims and thereby keeping the local economy moving forward.
“While I have worked across the country, I have been based in Warwickshire for 17 years and know the area very well. There is no question that there are very positive signs in the business community and certainly confidence is high, but there are pressing issues such as land availability.”
The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, which provides support and advice for businesses, was formed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) as part of its City Deal bid to Government.
Partners involved include the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, UKTI, Local Authorities across the sub-region, Coventry University, the University of Warwick and MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service now part of the Business Growth Service).
Growth Hub chief executive Craig Humphrey said: “Bill brings a great deal of planning and development experience from different areas of the industry and that insight will be invaluable.
“As well as working directly with companies across the area, he will also sit on the LEP Planning and Housing Business Group which has done some very good work around ensuring a clear and consistent approach to the planning process.”
