CBI announces key appointment to strengthen Midlands team

The CBI has bolstered its Midlands team with the appointment of a new Associate Director – who aims to support businesses through the challenges ahead and help them secure fresh opportunities to prosper.

Matthew Lowe joined the CBI in 2020, and during his time as a Senior Policy Advisor was the organisation’s lead on freeports and levelling up, as well as co-lead of its LGBT+ Allies Network.

Prior to joining the CBI, he worked in lobbying and policy development within the British Chambers of Commerce network, operating across the Midlands and winning a Chambers Fellowship for his HS2 policy work in Staffordshire.

He is also a qualified teacher specialising in geography, government and politics, and humanities.

Matthew is the second Associate Director appointed within the CBI’s Midlands team in recent months, following the arrival of Nicola Adams. The two will work alongside Midlands Deputy Director Nikki Paterson in advocating for the region’s businesses, and delivering on CBI ambitions for economic growth as laid out in its strategic vision Seize The Moment.

Regional priorities include action to boost skills, increase investment and drive infrastructure improvements.

Matthew Lowe, CBI Associate Regional Director for the Midlands, said:

“Businesses have faced a tough few years, with the pandemic, supply chain disruption, labour challenges and a growing cost-of-living crisis. During that time, I have seen first-hand how important the CBI can be in influencing positive change on behalf of its members, the wider business community and Midlands society.

“The priority now must be to overcome these challenges while plotting a course to a more prosperous future. That means driving action to grow skills and investment, alongside delivering on ambitions to level up the UK and meet net zero targets.

“I look forward to working closely with businesses from Shrewsbury to Skegness to identify and capitalise upon new opportunities for growth and create an even more thriving Midlands economy.”

Nikki Paterson, CBI Midlands Deputy Director, said:

“I am thrilled to see Matthew progress to this new role within the CBI team; his knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Midlands businesses means he has all the right tools to help our members to achieve their ambitions.

“The past two years have been immensely tough for businesses, but the CBI’s Midlands team stands ready to help them bounce back and plot a new trajectory towards a prosperous, equitable and sustainable future.”

Rick Blackmore, CBI Midlands Director, said:

“I am delighted to see the Midlands team at full capacity, and look forward to working with Nikki, Nicola and Matt to deliver on the issues that matter to CBI members throughout the region.”