Two high-profile appointments have been made to the board of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the strategic organisation aiming to drive economic growth in the area.
Corsham-based digital agency GG Media Resources commercial director George Gill and Simon Patten, Swindon-based director of secure enterprise services at BT, join three new members taken on earlier this year to broaden the scope of the board’s experience and expertise and replace members whose terms of appointment have expired.
One further member is now being sought to ensure the board appropriately reflects the key areas of industry and economic activity identified in the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan. 
George Gill, pictured right, has built GG Media Resources from scratch and developed it to become a Tech Track 100 business working with a broad range of global organisations.
He said: “I have considerable experience in, and enthusiasm for, creating and delivering on opportunities from a West Country base.
“Much of my enthusiasm comes from a passion for the area, coupled with a belief, based on experience, that we are in a geographical sweet spot for leveraging relevant talent and driving further growth.
“I believe we specifically have an opportunity to nurture a digital-based economy with exciting opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
“To have the opportunity to be part of shaping the growth of both existing business into the digital field, as well as growing pre-existing digital champions while nurturing start-ups, is a challenge I relish.” 
Simon Patten, pictured right, who has worked with BT for almost 30 years, added: “I have now reached the point in my career where I want to use my skills and experience to address different challenges.
“For the past 18 years I have been involved in the public sector, predominantly working with the defence community, and I have developed a keen affinity for the work of the Armed Forces and am also a trustee of the Defence Medical Welfare Service charity.
“I believe my familiarity with the work of the defence community, coupled with my private sector leadership experience in telecommunications and security, can help develop these aspects of the LEP plans.”
LEP chair Barry Dennington said: “Both George and Simon bring with them significant experience in their fields, which I am confident will help to further strengthen the LEP board as we continue to drive growth into the Swindon and Wiltshire area.”
