Leading Black Country business expert appointed to prestigious West Midlands Innovation Board
The chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has been appointed to one of the region's prestigious boards tasked with driving economic development.
Sarah Moorhouse will join the West Midlands Innovation Board which brings together influential leaders from business, academia and the public sector to champion and deliver the region's vision for growth.
It provides strategic advice and leads on major programmes and initiatives for the West Midlands Combined Authority, including the £33 million West Midlands Innovation Accelerator pilot programme with government.
Sarah said: "This appointment reflects the WMCA's recognition of the significant innovation and entrepreneurial talent concentrated across Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley. I'm delighted to be asked to join the board to champion the Black Country.
"Part of my role will obviously be championing the region but also it's a chance to ensure our businesses have a voice in investment decisions and innovation which can make a real difference.
The board operates as a "triple helix" partnership, uniting business leaders with public sector organisations and universities. Its ambitious goals include creating £4.8 billion additional gross value added (GVA), unleashing 27,000 new jobs in industries of the future and connected supply chains, and unlocking £950 million of co- investment.
The board is chaired independently by former JLR director Mike Wright, with deputy chairs Sarah Windrum from Horiba Mira and Charlie Blakemore from InterCity Technology. Members represent diverse sectors including mobility, digital technology, medical technology, clean technology, manufacturing innovation and scale-up businesses.
Sarah's expertise will complement the board's existing representation from major regional employers, universities including Birmingham, Aston, Warwick, Birmingham City and Coventry, as well as the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
The appointment takes effect immediately, with the board's work programme agreed annually by the West Midlands Combined Authority Board.
