East Midlands Chamber appoints Richard Blackmore as Director of Policy and Insight

Richard Blackmore has been named as the new Director of Policy and Insight at East Midlands Chamber, following 8 months as Head of Special Projects.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Richard spent 9 years at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), 7 of which as Midlands Director.

The Chamber’s Director of Policy and Insight is responsible for engaging with senior civil servants and government decision makers, at all levels, in shaping policy that enables economic growth in the East Midlands. 

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “One of the most important elements of the Chamber’s role at the heart of the East Midlands business community is to be its voice and lobby those in power at local, regional or national level to get the best outcomes for businesses in the region and grow its economy.

“Richard’s thorough understanding of the needs of businesses across the East Midlands, the challenges they face and opportunities they can seize, arms him with the skill to be the crucial link between what the business community says it needs and then getting those things into policy and pushing for their implementation.  I extend my congratulations to Richard as he takes on the post.”

Richard Blackmore said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Director of Policy & Insight. Since joining the Chamber, I’ve enjoyed seeing first-hand the valuable work that takes place every single day in supporting, listening to and driving the asks businesses need for growth.   I’m very much looking forward to working with businesses of all sizes, playing my part building on and continuing that journey, helping their success.  

“We’re in the early days of devolution and the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s inception, we also have a general election just a fortnight away and I stand ready to engage with whoever is placed to represent each part of the East Midlands, locally or nationally, to get the asks outlined in our Manifesto for Growth actioned and be that ear and strong voice of the business community.”