Andy Street will give the final address at BMF Members’ Day in September after Vince Cable has pulled out of the event.
Andy was elected as the first Mayor of the West Midlands in May 2017, and his primary role as Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority brings with it significant powers over transport, housing skills and jobs in the region.
His ambitious plan to deliver 215,000 new homes by 2030 has just won the support of the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, with grants totalling £350m announced in the Government’s Spring Statement.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: “Andy was elected on a manifesto aiming to revolutionise the lives of citizens within the West Midlands, where the BMF is headquartered, and we are delighted that our first Mayor will be speaking at Members’ Day. In addition to his current drive to boost the West Midlands economy, during his earlier career at John Lewis he oversaw one of the most successful periods in the company’s history. His presentation will resonate with every delegate.”
Before becoming Mayor, Andy combined a career with John Lewis and he was named the “Most Admired Leader of the Year” by Management Today in their annual survey of bosses at the UK’s most successful companies. He has also been lead non-executive director for the Department for Communities and Local Government as well as a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group.
Vince Cable will no longer be speaking at the event and John said: “Both Vince Cable and the BMF are disappointed that unavoidable changes to his schedule mean it is no longer possible for Vince to speak at Members’ Day. However, we are pleased that he will now be joining us at our Parliamentary Reception on April 24th.”
