A CHAIRMAN has been appointed for a new forum in Argyll and Bute which was established to drive economic change in the area.
Nick Ferguson CBE, who is Chairman of broadcaster and satellite provider Sky plc, will chair the Argyll and Bute Economic Forum.
The forum will focus on job creation, the development of multi-agency business plans, policy development and promote investment and will have contributions from across the private, public and voluntary sectors.
Mr Ferguson, who lives in the area, has a degree in economics from the University of Edinburgh and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He was awarded CBE in 2013 honours list for services to higher education and philanthropy.
He said he was keen to work towards a "shared vision of economic prosperity" for the area as well as address issues of depopulation.
He said: "The economy in Argyll and Bute is large and successful, with many thriving businesses, and many areas with population growth. We need to build on that success, tap into that expertise and deliver the improvements that businesses need to be successful.
"It's a wonderful place to live, full of opportunities; we'll be working towards unlocking the major development potential of our area, creating jobs and attracting people. I look forward to announcing the other members of the forum before our first meeting in the spring.''
Consisting of representatives from a number of businesses, the Scottish Government, Argyll and Bute Council, enterprise agencies, academia and the voluntary sector, the forum will ensure better alignment between the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Councillor Dick Walsh, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: "We are delighted to have someone with Nick's track record and expertise on board to lead the forum.
"The economic forum will shape the strategic vision for the future and will, crucially, be business led.
"This type of approach has worked well in other rural areas, such as Highland, as well as in city authorities such as Glasgow and Aberdeen, where public-private partnerships have been in place for a number of years."
"This forum will help to drive forward the changes that are needed in our economy, making Argyll and Bute an even more compelling place for both people and investors.''
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