Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles is
coming to the West Midlands this summer.
The Brentwood and Ongar MP, who has been driving the
introduction of Local Enterprise Partnerships, will be addressing
the Midsummer Dinner of the Coventry & Warwickshire branch of
the Institute of Directors in the West Midlands.
He is joined as guest speaker by IOD chairman Dr Neville Bain,
the New Zealand-born executive who spent 27 years with Cadbury
Schweppes taking in spells as finance director, commercial director
and managing director in different countries.
The event takes place at the Mercure Coventry Brandon Hall Hotel
on June 23.
Martin Gower, Chair of IoD Coventry and Warwickshire, said: "We
are very fortunate to have attracted two such high profile
speakers. "Mr Pickles is a man who speaks his mind so I expect some
straight-talking.
"I am sure members of the local business and professional
community will be keen to hear his assessment of how LEPs are
progressing, the economic strengths and weaknesses of the local
area and how the challenges which face us can be overcome.
"Mr Pickles is also the Minister steering the Localism Bill and
the push to give power back to the grass roots.
"It will be interesting hearing his vision for the future and
how it is being fulfilled."
John Phillips, Regional Director, IoD West Midlands, said Dr
Bain was steeped in business.
"I am sure, given his international background, he will be well
placed to address how Coventry and Warwickshire exporters, and
those elsewhere in the Midlands might best step up their
contribution to the national economy.
"And, no doubt, given his time at Cadbury, there will be
considerable interest in his assessment of the Kraft takeover and
the future for Bournville."
The cost is £35 plus VAT for members and guests and
£45 plus VAT for non-members.