Press Announcement (26 November 2008)

Senior Director appointed Chief Executive Officer

Serco has confirmed that Adam Chambers, the senior director responsible for the successful transformation of Business Link services in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Peninsula Enterprise.

A senior executive from Serco’s economic development business unit, Mr Chambers has been the architect behind the new Business Link service arrangements since the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) confirmed the appointment of Serco as the new provider of services in April 2007. Peninsula Enterprise was established by Serco when it merged the organisations Business Link Somerset and Business Link Devon and Cornwell, to create a single service across the three counties.

Jerry Benson, head of Serco’s business support activities said:

"Adam’s drive and commitment to re-shaping the Business Link service has been evident in the ongoing consultations he and his team have held with partners and stakeholders, as well as the focus he has placed on developing greater front-line support for local business communities and new enterprises right across the region."

In a wide ranging career that has included leadership roles in a number of science, innovation and technology-led businesses, Mr Chambers recognises the importance of ensuring that businesses are able to access the right advice and guidance in a way that best suits their needs. Outlining his vision for Peninsula Enterprise he said:

"Having transformed the service and achieved a strong performance this year, we are well-placed and prepared to meet the challenge in 2009. Through our new local outreach centres and greater partnership working, we are able to reach even greater numbers of businesses in every corner of the region. Our principle aim is to support businesses through the current tough operating environment and we are offering personalised support from qualified experts to help identify and avoid potential issues during the present economic uncertainty. This ‘Health check’ will help businesses manage and fulfil their potential for growth and ensure that any problems can be addressed early."

Tim Jones, Chairman of Devon and Cornwall Business Council, reacted positively to news of the appointment:

"Adam Chambers has established himself as an important part of the Business Community at a time when it is essential that strong leadership is demonstrated through the business support network. Adam has the confidence of key stakeholders to ensure that this appointment will prove highly successful. Never has there been a greater need in this challenging financial climate for effective support to be available for small businesses."

Rosemary Wells, Director of Business Services at the RDA, said:

"We are delighted that Adam Chambers will continue to take the Business Link and other support services forward in his role as the new CEO of Peninsula Enterprise. These are challenging times for the region’s businesses and we are confident that the Business Link service will respond to that challenge, supporting businesses to respond and adapt to change."

For further information please contact:

Ron Dyson: 01308 485707 - David Wilford: 01672 564529 / 07790 774284