New Chairman for Hereford Enterprise Zone

A leading specialist with a global law firm has been revealed as the new chairman of the Hereford Enterprise Zone.
Andrew Manning Cox, a Senior Partner with Gowling WLG (UK) LLP, will take over as the head of the Zone’s Executive Board from Herefordshire businessman Bill Jackson, who has held the post since 2012.
New directors Charles Ingleby, a partner in commercial property consultancy Ingleby Trice and Sharon Smith, the Chief Executive of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, have joined him on the board. Mr Ingleby will serve as Vice Chairman.
Skylon Park in Rotherwas is the designated Enterprise Zone of The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, the private sector-led organisation tasked with revitalising the economy of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
It is the UK’s only Enterprise Zone with a defence and security focus. The Executive Board sets the direction and strategy of the Zone.
Mr Manning Cox, who lives between Bromyard and Ledbury, has a wealth of experience in non-executive director roles and is a keen and long standing advocate for Herefordshire businesses. He has represented a number of Herefordshire organisations as well as worked with blue chip clients such as British Airways, EON and Heineken.
He currently holds a number of non-executive directorships for local organisations including Malvern Hills Science Park, the Central Technology Belt and Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
The new chairman paid tribute to his predecessor and said he was looking forward to leading Skylon Park through its next phase of development.
“Under Bill’s leadership, more than 275,000 sq ft of new development has been built or is under way at Skylon Park with a construction investment of around £13 million. This has already brought investment, jobs and growing economic prosperity to the region. We have much to thank him for.
“His leadership has placed Skylon Park in a very healthy position as we look to consolidate the achievements so far and build on them in the future, attracting high quality investment and jobs for the benefit of Hereford.”
Andrew is an accredited mediator and chartered arbitrator and a Solicitor Advocate with full Higher Court Rights. He also acts as a mentor to SMEs in the tech sector.
He added: “My industrial sector experience includes aerospace and defence, manufacturing, automotive, aviation and technology. I also have expertise in risk management, corporate strategy, and have acted for US and Chinese investors in the UK, which I hope will be of great benefit as we plan the next steps for an Enterprise Zone with a sustainable future.”
Managing Director of the Enterprise Zone Mark Pearce welcomed the new board members and added: “Andrew was an outstanding candidate with extensive and directly applicable experience in public and private sector partnerships, business park development and commercial property and investment activity..
“He will be ably supported by the existing board members and Charles, who brings extensive property development experience and investor knowledge to the table. Sharon’s appointment will further strengthen our engagement and involvement with businesses. ”