Member Article

Business Link recruiting for new leader

A dynamic business leader has the chance to make their mark on the North East economy at the helm of one of the UK’s largest business support organisations.

A new Chairman is to be recruited for Business Link North East (BLNE) following Wearside businessman Paul Callaghan’s decision to step down from the role to focus on other commitments relating to the economic regeneration of the region.

Paul, Chairman of Leighton Group, has been involved with Business Link for over five years - he was initially a board member and then chairman of Business Link Tyne and Wear. In 2005 he was asked to chair the coalition that won the contract to transform business support in the region, leading to the formation of BLNE and since 2006 he has chaired the organisation.

Chief Executive of Business Link North East, Alastair MacColl, said: “Paul has led our board with energy, flair and distinction. He leaves behind a formidable legacy and a new business in great shape and with a very bright future. Under his leadership the transformation of business support in the North East has made enormous progress.”

Margaret Fay, Chairman of One NorthEast, said: “Paul has done a fantastic job in leading the development of Business Link North East, and in channelling the expertise and experience of its board members to shape what is now one of the UK’s largest business support organisations. “I look forward to working with his successor in the future, during what continues to be an exciting time for business support services in the region.”

Paul will remain involved in the economic regeneration of the North East as a board member and Chairman of the Audit Committee for One NorthEast, as Deputy Chairman of Sunderland University, by supporting the Hylton Red House Academy in Sunderland and Sunderland Software City, as well as by developing his own company.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .