New directors appointed

New Directors for INTend

Five crucial roles on the board of a new company set up to tackle real regeneration issues right across Tendring have been filled, it was announced today.

INTend, which was set up by Tendring District Council earlier this year, made space for up to five non-Council directors.

The aim was to ensure the company had the widest possible access to people who were passionate, skilled and willing to get involved with helping to shape the future of their District.

David Lines, Chairman of INTend, said that he was delighted to announce those posts had now been taken up.

“I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to help us take forward the regeneration agenda,” he said.

‘We were searching for a broad mix of skills to compliment those already available on the board and our public invitation to apply brought forward a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

The new directors are George Courtauld, Mike Freeman, Peter Thompson, Jerry Wedge and Sharon Alexander.

“In George Courtauld we have somebody completely independent - but who knows the area well because of his former chairmanship of the Haven Gateway Partnership and his role as Vice-Lord-Lieutenant of Essex,” said Mr Lines.

“Mike Freeman is well-known locally and his experience of running his own company which traded internationally and his involvement with art and culture through the West Cliff Theatre will bring another dimension.

“He is also a champion of training and creating employment through his work with the local Adult Community College .”

Peter Thompson is a local farmer from Great Oakley who also runs a number of companies.

“His farming background will add to our understanding of rural issues,” added Mr Lines.

Jerry Wedge has considerable experience in both the public and private sector and his particular expertise in financial matters will be invaluable as INTend seeks to attract new funding to the District.

 The final new director is Sharon Alexander who has gained vast experience of the voluntary sector in her role within Tendring Community Voluntary Services over the past 17 years.

“She will be able to assist the Board in tackling issues and developing new opportunities for communities throughout the District,” said Mr Lines.

Mr Lines said the existing directors are very much looking forward to this next phase of the company’s development.

He strongly believes the different perspectives that the new colleagues will bring to the board will help firmly establish the company as the regeneration delivery agency for the District.