Sir Ian Wood is to lead a major new taskforce being set up to safeguard the future of the north-east economy and land a multibillion-pound City Deal for the region. The offshore industry doyen has accepted an invitation to head up the area’s new “Economic Leadership Board”.
It will drive forward the north-east’s bid to secure a £2.9billion City Deal package from the UK and Scottish governments – and lead efforts to anchor oil and gas sector skills in the region for decades to come.
The new board will succeed Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (Acsef), and will also feature other leading figures from the oil and gas, food and drink, life sciences and tourism industries, as well as representatives from the local authorities and the universities.
Sir Ian’s appointment was hailed last night for adding “unparalleled weight and significance” to the region’s City Deal bid, which is currently being negotiated with the UK and Scottish governments.
He agreed to chair the body two years after a majority of city councillors provoked a storm of controversy by turning down his £50million offer to transform Union Terrace Gardens.
The north-east councils officially lodged their “statement of intent” for the City Deal last week, with the authorities hoping it will help deliver radical transport improvements, a revamp of Aberdeen harbour, and unlock major new housing developments over the next two decades.
Last night, a spokeswoman for Sir Ian said the new board would use business talents across the north-east.
She said: “This new Economic Leadership Board is being set up by businesses from all sectors in the region.
“Its remit is to make sure, through tangible outcomes and actions, that we maximise the benefits of North Sea oil for the region, including anchoring the relevant technology and supply chain in the north-east for the long term.
“It will also focus on sector initiatives to enhance the development and activities of key traditional industries to broaden our economic base in the medium term.
“Clearly the local authorities have recognised such a body as the right private sector partner for the City Deal and this board will work with all parties to try and ensure that the region achieves city deal status.”
Local authority leader Jenny Laing announced the appointment of Sir Ian to members of the city council’s finance committee yesterday.
She said: “Given the significance of the City Region Deal for Aberdeen, it follows that the governance arrangements must reflect the spirit of collaboration between public and private sector that is inherent in the proposals we have submitted to the UK Government and Holyrood.
“I am pleased to confirm that Sir Ian Wood will take on the role of chairmanship of the Economic Leadership Board.”
Councillor Ross Thomson, vice-convener of the committee, said: “Today’s announcement is music to my ears. To have the North Sea’s most eminent industry leader on board and playing a key role in chairing the new economic leadership body, and their participation in the delivery of this City Deal, gives our bid unparalleled weight and significance.”
He was echoed by Aberdeenshire Council co-leader Martin Kitts-Hays, who said: “Sir Ian Wood has extensive experience and is highly influential in the oil and gas sector, and supports our collective ambition to deliver the very best outcomes for the Aberdeen city region.”
Sir Ian, the former Wood Group chairman, last year published a landmark UK Government review into the future of the North Sea, which has led to the creation of the new Oil and Gas Authority regulator.
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald welcomed his appointment, saying the backing of businessmen was “vital” to securing the City Deal.
He said: “The backing of north-east businesses is vital for the success of the city deal bid, and the support of such an eminent and committed local business leader as Sir Ian Wood is especially important.
“Aberdeen City Council should use the expertise of these business leaders to progress the bid and to ensure that the City Deal is delivered effectively.”
Colin Crosby, chairman of Acsef, said: “The approach being discussed would bring a strong private sector focus to shaping and delivering the opportunities set out in the City Region Deal and Acsef members look forward to sup-porting its implementation.”
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