Key players from the digital and creative sector including Facebook and ITV alongside local companies specialising in video game technology, Internet of Things (IoT) and Immersive Tech have joined the Liverpool City Region Digital & Creative Board.
The digital and creative sector is of critical importance for the Liverpool City Region and forms one of the key growth sectors as identified in the City Region’s Growth Strategy as central to driving sustained growth of the economy over the coming decades.
The Board, established by the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), on behalf of the City Region brings a variety of experiences and insights to make informed decisions on topics such as skills, business support, place and policy across the digital, creative, commercial and academic sectors to accelerate the City Region’s global position in the digital and creative industries.
On the new appointments Co-Chair of the Digital and Creative Board and Deputy Chair of the LEP Paul Corcoran said:
“The breadth of what we do here in the City Region is truly awe-inspiring – from Immersive Tech, Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT) through to digital marketing, film and e-health – all making an important contribution to the economy. It’s no wonder that the City Region is seen as a beacon of excellence in the digital and creative industries.
“That is why having a strong and representative Digital & Creative Board is so important and something that I personally wanted to ensure was true of this board – a truly diverse structure ensures we have a fully inclusive board that will work together to accelerate the development and competitiveness of this sector.”
Paul added: “I am really proud to say our Board now has an equal gender split and a really good representation that leads from the front for our City Region. I am excited to be working with all our members on an ambitious portfolio of activity.”
The eleven new members* will help shape the sector and build upon its strengths as a major UK Digital & Creative hotbed.
Vanessa Bakewell, Client Partner, Entertainment, Facebook Inc. said:
“I am delighted to be a part of the board. I am so proud to be from such a vibrant and inspirational city. I am very excited to be on the Digital and Creative Board and to be a part of the incredible journey and continued growth of Liverpool City Region. The city informed my love and passion for everything art, culture, music, entertainment and technology and informed my career choices. I owe so much to all of my positive experiences growing up, learning and working in Liverpool.”
Helen Stephens, Director, Little Sandbox Ltd said:
“Digital Inclusion has been a priority for me for many years, not only ensuring young people have the skills they’ll need for the future but also finding innovative ways to teach digital skills to older people.
“I’m pleased to join the Digital and Creative Board to represent people who often get overlooked as technology advances and to make sure that no one is left behind.”
Phil Owen, Head of Engineering at d3t said:
“I believe I am ideally suited for the Digital and Creative Board having spent my career, which spans 26 years, in the computer games industry in the North West. I would hope to bring a fresh insight and fresh thinking, with the goal of influencing and strengthening creativity within the Liverpool area and beyond.”
The new members are:
- Vanessa Bakewell, Facebook
- Phil Charnock, Draw & Code
- Jen Fenner, DefProcEngineering
- Ruth Hartnoll, JnR Agency
- Lauren Hogan, ITV
- Camilla Mankabady, Liverpool City Council
- Phil Owen, d3t
- Lisa Pearson, Arriva
- Nicky Speed, Edge Hill University
- Helen Stephens, Little Sandbox
- Pete Woodbridge, LJMU.
Digital and Creative Board Members:
- Paul Corcoran, Agent Marketing (co-chair)
- Lee Omar, Red Ninja (co-chair)
- Mo Aldalou, Tech Nation
- Geeth de Mel, IBM
- Amanda Follit, EPAM
- Paul Hornby, Matalan
- Liam Kelly, Make CIC
- Sarah Robb, Digital Catapult
- Katharine Robertson, STFC Daresbury