Member Article

IoD appoints Lee Robins as business voice for Teesside

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Lee Robins as Policy Voice Ambassador.

Lee, a director of Billingham-based industrial technology business Tracerco, will lead the IoD’s powerful Policy Voice programme in the North East (South) area, which covers Teesside. He will help directors to influence government ministers and policy makers through regular round tables and surveys.

The IoD has helped to secure vital support for business leaders during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules. Through Policy Voice, the IoD was able to provide the government with first-hand reports from members across the UK who are dealing with the fallout from the crisis.

Lee has more than 25 years of business leadership experience in the oil, gas and chemical industries. He leads Tracerco’s global assurance business, specialising in fuel marking and authentication, radiation monitoring, analytical laboratories and radiation protection advice.

He said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has shown why directors need to make their voice heard to policy makers. We need to hear the experiences of those who own and operate local businesses so that we can feed back their issues, challenges and successes to government and achieve positive change for better business.

“We are not just looking for the voice of larger businesses – it is just as important that we amplify the messages coming from young entrepreneurs, SMEs and public and third sector organisations. The IoD is here to support you and we are all in this together.”

Karl Pemberton, branch chair for IoD North East (South), said: “Policy Voice is a fantastic platform that has never been more relevant. It is so important that we work together as directors to share knowledge, create connections and lobby for change that will help us to deliver prosperity and protect jobs. Lee’s track record in industry is formidable and he’s the ideal person to take Policy Voice to the next level.”

Other Policy Voice Ambassadors include Rashmi Dubé of Legatus Law, Leeds, who played a key role in delivering change over late payments. Rashmi records the IoD’s regional Policy Voice podcast, which is available via Apple Music and Spotify.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Abbott .