CBI's new East of England Chair targets skills growth and infrastructure improvements to boost region

Overcoming skills shortages and improving regional infrastructure can help East of England businesses bounce back from COVID and build a sustainable and prosperous future, according to the CBI’s incoming regional Chair.

Jane Donnelly – East of England Regional Managing Director for recruitment specialists Hays – has been named as the next Chair of the CBI East of England Regional Council.

Jane, who has been a member of the council for more than three years, will take over the role from current Chair Donald McGarva in January.

Jane will be stepping into the role at a challenging time, but believes the East of England has plenty of strengths to call upon which can help businesses navigate current hardships and emerge stronger in the future.

Jane Donnelly, Chair elect of the CBI East of England Regional Council, said:

“I am thrilled to be taking over as Chair of the East of England CBI Regional Council, and look forward to supporting current Chair Donald McGarva, Regional Director Richard Tunnicliffe and the wider CBI team until then.

“It is an exciting and challenging time for business as we come out of the pandemic, and the CBI has some really exciting ambitions for recovery and beyond. Of particular personal interest to me is how we work towards a fully inclusive economy and how we can continue to grow and promote a regionally thriving economy.

“It is vital we can overcome challenges around upskilling and reskilling, which can end the traditional talent drain to London and equip the region to tap into the potential of the decarbonisation economy. Improvements to the region’s digital and physical infrastructure can have a transformational impact too.

“This is a region which has many impressive strengths to build upon. The East of England is rich in sectors like life sciences, biotech, logistics and decarbonisation, and also boasts areas of real excellence, such as the Ox-Cam Arc.

“The task now is to expand that investment and innovation throughout the wider region, creating sustainable new jobs and opportunities, and raising living standards. I am confident we can do it, and I look forward to playing my part in this new role with the CBI.”

Richard Tunnicliffe, CBI East of England Director, said:

“Jane brings a wealth of knowledge of the region and insight into the issues that matter to businesses. Her expertise will be a major asset for businesses and for the CBI as we look to implement the strategies for growth set out in our Seize The Moment economic vision.”