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We are holding an International Markets and Globalisation Conference at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Friday, 3 October. Our keynote speakers will be former CBI director-general and now minister of State, Lord Jones of Birmingham and CBI director of UK and International Operations Andy Scott. The CBI has always had a strong international focus but as more of our members have expanded their overseas activities and interests the CBI too has stepped up its international work programme and extended its footprint outside of the UK. This conference brings together industry speakers and key stakeholders to share their experiences and discuss the opportunities for businesses in the north west. Further information will be available in August but to reserve your place click here to follow the link to our events page.

Banging the business drum for the NW

As an adopted son of the north west, Dr Clive Elphick relishes banging the drum for the region. Now as the new regional chairman of the CBI he has the chance to make some big noise on its behalf. The 51-year-old United Utilities executive was brought up and educated in the South East of England, but he has spent all his working life in the North West. And he speaks with a real passion about its people and the economy that they drive. It is one of the many reasons he looked forward to his new role. Clive, who lives in Bretherton, Lancashire, with his wife Jane, arrived here after university when he started his first job with ICI in Runcorn.

He says: “I don’t think I’d even been to the north west before my interview. I’ve been here ever since throughout all my career and I really do think it is a great place to live and work. “We have so many strengths here, the people are so warm and friendly and the countryside is stunning. We’ve got vibrant towns and cities and culture and a thriving educational sector.” Speaking of strengths, he believes the diversity of business and industry is also something that gives the north west its economic edge. He says: “We’ve got around 230,000 businesses in all and an economy that is larger than some European countries. That makes us a major player and the role that the north west plays in the economy of the nation can not be stressed too greatly. “That is why it is so important that businesses here have an effective voice. That is the role of the CBI and for the organisation to continue to represent the best interests of the region’s business it needs business to get involved, to help shape the messages we are sending to government.” Cambridge-educated Clive, who has two stepchildren in their 20s, holds a senior managerial position with one of the north west’s blue-chip companies. He was appointed managing director of United Utilities Asset Management and Regulation, based at its impressive Warrington headquarters, in March 2007. Clive joined what was then North West Water Group plc in 1991 and his roles have included being regulation director, Group Strategic Planning Director and chief operating officer of the regulated business. Before he joined United Utilities, Clive qualified as an accountant with ICI and then worked as a management consultant with Deloitte & Touche, all in the North West. He has also had secondments to the Cabinet Office and Ofwat and for five years was a non-executive director of a Department of State. Looking at the current health of the CBI nationally and regionally, he says: “The CBI and its role are as important as ever. I believe the CBI, both nationally and regionally, does a good job representing the interests of business. “I am looking forward to being a part of that, working to get the views of the members of the North West and communicating those, making sure the regional view gets a national hearing and its interests are represented where they matter.” It is that philosophy that is behind his call for more businesses, large and small and in every sector, to take an active part in shaping the CBI message in the North West. Clive, who has stepped up from the vice-chairman’s role, explains: “I’d like to see as diverse a membership of the North West CBI and its council as we can get and it is good to see that the universities are getting involved. I will also be inviting the council to consider whether we should put a bit more effort into what we are seeking to achieve for the north west, alongside our role in influencing national policy positions.” CIive, whose interests outside the office include walking, mountain biking and listening to classical music, adds: “This is a dynamic part of the country economically and it is a privilege to be able to help put forward its views and to help represents its interests.”

Regional Council

The CBI NW Regional Council is our formal policy making group. Meeting four times a year, key issues for business at a regional, national and international level are discussed and the views of members put forward to CBI Chairman’s committee by CBI policy people and our Regional Chairman Clive Elphick. The decisions taken by this group with involvement from other more specialised working groups form the lobbying position we take when talking to government. Elected members retire after three years’ service and no member may serve for more than two three year terms consecutively. Nomination papers will be circulated to all NW members in mid July. Members are free to nominate themselves or any director or senior executive of any member company in the North West including senior executives from branch establishments in the region. For further information on the role of a regional councillor contact Damian Waters or Simon Caunt.

The latest from CBI North West

October: globalisation conference

Banging the business drum for the NW

Regional Council

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Submissions to government

CBI Annual Conference 2008