• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday September 12 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

New research institute Futures West Foundation appoints new chair and director

A new research institute to investigate, analyse, and propose solutions to vital issues affecting the economic performance of the West of England has appointed its chair and director.

The former chief executive of Innovate UK and managing director at Airbus UK, Sir Iain Gray, will chair the Futures West Foundation, with the former head of Bristol One City joining as director.

Launched in April, the Futures West Foundation is a collaboration between business and leading universities. It aims to tackle the region’s long-term challenges to raise productivity, prosperity and innovation. Its research will provide the evidence base needed to better inform policy and attract investment.

Led by Business West, the Foundation will focus on the West of England region, including Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Swindon, and work closely with the University of Bristol, University of Bath and University of the West of England, and leading businesses to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Emeritus Professor Sir Iain Gray, was knighted last year for services to the aerospace industry. His former roles include director of aerospace at Cranfield University, and he is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is also chair of the Aerospace Bristol Museum and Bristol-based digital engineering company CFMS Ltd.

“Having lived and worked in this region for many years, I know it very well,” said Sir Iain.

“It has an incredible innovation heritage and such potential for greater prosperity. I also understand its challenges and am committed to tackling them to ensure we unlock greater investment in this region, which will drive innovation and deliver good, well-paid, jobs and sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Andrea Dell has over 20 years’ experience working and living in the region and is an alumnus of both UWE Bristol and University of Bristol.

She has extensive experience in local government from working in social housing to leading policy, democratic and executive services at Bristol City Council.

From 2018-2023 she directed the One City Partnership Initiative serving the public, private and voluntary sector across Bristol. She is also the chair of trustees for Voscur Ltd.

“As someone who has worked and lived in the South West for over 20 years, I am passionate about our region and what it has to offer,” said Andrea.

“The Futures West Foundation is a significant initiative that will help our region maximise its potential for the benefit of all those who live and work here.

“I am excited to be part of its future and look forward to starting work with Sir Iain, the Business West team, and our partners.”

Matt Griffith, director of policy at Business West, said: “The appointment of the inaugural chair and director marks an important milestone for the Futures West Foundation. It has managed to secure exceptional talent that is really bought into this project and what the region wants to achieve.”

“Policy makers and businesses all need evidence and hard data before making the choice to invest in a region, whether it’s the government choosing its next area of economic focus, or an international firm deciding where to establish its UK HQ.

“The Foundation is focused on providing that evidence base to inform smart investment decisions that benefit not just our region, but the wider UK economy too.

“Andrea and Sir Iain will convene the key actors we need to deliver the research, collaboration and support, to help drive sustainable and inclusive growth and the jobs and investment our region needs.”

“These appointments will substantially strengthen this exciting partnership between universities and businesses.”

The initial work programme will look at how to understand and improve the region’s economic performance and raise regional productivity.

It will address some of the key challenges blocking sustainable and inclusive economic growth and the future success of our key and emerging economic sectors.