Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP), the organisation aiming to boost the local economy, has made three appointments to its board.
It will also recruit a further three directors over the next 12 months to replace members whose terms of appointment have expired, or will be expiring shortly. 
It said the appointments would widen the scope of experience and expertise on the board to ensure it reflects the key areas of industry and economic activity identified in the LEP’s blueprint, the Strategic Economic Plan.
Joining the board are Shahina Johnson, CEO and artistic director of Create Studios Digital Media in Swindon, Amanda Burnside, acting principal at Wiltshire College, and John Mortimer, South West director of the Country Land & Business Association (CLA).
Shahina Johnson has worked for a decade as CEO and Artistic Director at Create Studios Digital Media.
Swindon’s Create Studios provides transformational opportunities for individuals and communities, using digital arts as a tool for education, skills development and connection with those in danger of social exclusion or isolation.
Shahina previously worked in national digital cultural education initiatives for Arts Council England.
She said: “I have spent much of my professional life within cultural management in Swindon, and have been resident in Wiltshire for 12 years. As such I am committed to promoting its economic development and cultural and social profile.
“I am keen to bring my experience of public sector, cultural development and the digital economy to contribute to LEP’s vision for delivery across Swindon and Wiltshire.”
Amanda Burnside has lived in the county for 25 years and has worked in the further education and skills sector for many years, most recently at Wiltshire College and previously, for seven years, at Swindon College. Prior to that she worked in educational marketing and consultancy.
She said: “All three colleges in Wiltshire and Swindon are of significant importance in delivering the SWLEP economic plan, as is the employment and skill strategies for both councils,” she said. “I believe it is essential that further education has an expert voice on the SWLEP Board.”
John Mortimer has worked at the CLA for 13 years, having previously spent 25 years as technical and external affairs director at Hanson Quarry Products Europe in Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire.
He said: “Having lived in Wiltshire for 30 years, the county is my home and my community. Business development, large and small, excites me. I enjoy engaging with business owners who have the ambition and determination to grow their enterprises.
“My industrial management experience, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of Wiltshire’s rural economy, will provide the foundation of my engagement with business enterprises in Swindon and Wiltshire.”
LEP chair Barry Dennington said: “Our new board members will help to provide strategic insight and support to the board and contribute to the development of one of the most successful LEPs in the country.
“I’m very much looking forward to working alongside them at an exciting time for economic development in Swindon and Wiltshire.”
