All RDAs across England are closing by March 2012
(see transition and closure section).
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RDA Chairman recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours
16 June 2009
Juliet Williams, Chairman of the South West RDA, has been
awarded a CBE in recognition of her services to the tourist and
creative industries.
Since joining the Agency's Board as Chairman in 2002 Juliet has
pioneered a number of new programmes and opportunities for the
region and nationally. She is credited with having created the
'Partners for England' initiative which has led to the birth of
VisitEngland. Her objective was to bring economies of scale to the
better management and marketing of tourism in England.
Dr Williams said: "The most important thing to me has been to
ensure that the South West remains at the top of the list for the
Government. The other thing has been to make sure everyone in the
region from Cornwall to Gloucestershire receives the attention they
deserve. I'm delighted as much for the region as for myself."
Commenting on the honour, RDA Chairman-designate, Harry
Studholme - who will take on Juliet's role next month - said:
"Having worked with Juliet for the last six years I have seen at
first hand how her energy, enthusiasm and commitment have brought
immense benefit to the region.
"It is great to see that her work is being recognised. As
Chairman of the Board of the Regional Development Agency she has
steered the Agency through a time of great change. This has
delivered a programme of innovation and investment which has been
massively important in helping the regional economy to develop the
resilience which it will need to emerge from the current recession
in good health."
Juliet's career has seen her work as editor of The Geographical
Magazine. In 1991 she founded her own management consultancy.
Earlier career achievements include working across the South West
where she built businesses and restored others struggling for
survival to profitable growth.
Notes to editors:
1. The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is
helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a
course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives
which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund, coordinating the
response to large companies in difficulty and preparing for
economic recovery.