Enterprising Woman Bev Hurley appointed to EEDA board

Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Competitiveness and Consumer Affairs, has just announced three new appointments to the management board of the East of England Development Agency.

Beverly Hurley and Stuart Evans representing the Business Sector and Marco Cereste representing Local Authorities will take up their three-year appointments on 14 December 2007.

Stephen Timms said:

"The RDAs have a crucial role to play as drivers of economic development in their region, working to reduce imbalances within and between regions. The East of England Development Agency will be able to use the knowledge and expertise these appointments bring to help the region deliver its Regional Economic Strategy to reach its full economic potential, boost productivity and create jobs and prosperity."

Richard Ellis, chair of the East of England Development Agency, commented:

"I'm delighted to welcome Bev and Stuart to the EEDA board, and that Marco has been reappointed. Bev and Stuart bring a wealth of business and commercial experience and good knowledge of the East of England to EEDA. Marco has made a strong contribution to the board throughout his tenure as a board member representing business, and I am sure he will do the same in his new role, representing local authority interests. I am looking forward to working closely with all three of them to drive forward the economic prosperity and success of the region"

Bev has been living and working in the region for many years, and is well known for her commitment to increasing innovation and entrepreneurship. She added:

"I'm looking forward to working alongside Richard and the EEDA board to ensure that our strategies make a real difference for businesses in the East of England."