Network elects new Board
03/11/2008The regional voice and network for social enterprise in the West Midlands has announced the appointment of its new executive board.
The first open election held by Social Enterprise West Midlands sees the appointment of a new Chair, Herefordshire based consultant Freer Spreckley, who takes over from Professor John Mawson (University of Warwick).
Other changes include a new Vice Chair, Sarah Crawley (iSE), and a greater presence from social entrepreneurs including Graeme Perks (Skillbuilders CIC) and social enterprise ambassador Jean Jarvis (South Shropshire Furniture Scheme) both serving for the first time. Professor Mawson and along with several co-founders of the network continue to serve on the new board which will assume responsibility for the strategic direction of the network until 2010.
Of his appointment, Mr Spreckley who currently works in social economy, UK regeneration and international development sectors said:
"I am delighted to have been elected as Chair and look forward to the challenges going forward. Crucially, we need to demonstrate that through social enterprise we can grow a diverse and resilient economy that combines wealth creation with social and environmental justice."
Since it’s re-launch in 2007, SEWM has established itself as an important vehicle through which it’s growing membership and wider stakeholders can work together and build a stronger social enterprise movement in the region.
Kevin Maton, Network Director at SEWM said:
"The recent elections have created a strong team with many years experience in social enterprise which will stand the network in good stead as it assumes its new role as a strategic partner of Advantage West Midlands - our principal funder.
"With the UK conference for social enterprise, Voice 09, being held in Birmingham in February this is a particularly important and exciting time for the West Midlands and an opportunity for the new board to maximise the opportunities for its members and the movement in general."
The full membership of the newly elected Board is:
• Freer Spreckley (Chair), Local Livelihoods
• Sarah Crawley (Vice-Chair), Initiative for Social Entrepreneurs
• Jean Jarvis, South Shropshire Furniture Scheme
• Paul Hanna, Birmingham Chamber
• Graeme Perks, Skillbuilders CIC
• Tamy Matanky, Coventry and Warwickshire CDA
• John Mawson, University of Warwick Business School
• Steve Walker, Aston Reinvestment Trust
• Liz Watkins-Young, Partners for Social Enterprise
ENDS