Lord David Triesman, the British politician, will be the guest speaker at this year’s Somerset Chamber of Commerce AGM, it has been announced. As Executive Director of Salamanca Group, which is developing a major new enterprise zone in Somerset, he is keen to engage with businesses across the region.
Lord Triesman has built a wealth of commercial experience in finance and real estate, as well as forging an impressive career in politics. A Labour member of the House of Lords, he held ministerial roles in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and took the 2004 Energy Act through Parliament. He was Chairman of the Football Association from 2008 to 2010 and a Board Member of Wembley National Stadium.
Following the formal AGM business and two-course dinner, Lord Triesman will speak to guests about his successful career at the highest level of business, politics and sport, including his time as Chairman of the Football Association, famously speaking before a parliamentary select committee about alleged bribery in international football.
More recently, as Executive Director of Salamanca Group, Lord Triesman has been actively involved with the commercial development of Gravity on the site of the former Royal Ordnance Factory in Bridgwater. He will provide delegates with insight about the business, academic and inward investment opportunities linked with the 222 acre enterprise zone.
Lord Triesman commented, “I’m delighted I will be present at the next Somerset Chamber of Commerce AGM; a county which Salamanca Group is heavily invested in since our acquisition of the former ROF Bridgwater site last year. We see a great opportunity to house and nurture national and international companies at this strategically located site. It will provide the region with increased employment opportunities and improved community facilities for locals.
“We are working closely with Sedgemoor District Council, local communities and partners to achieve an optimal future for the site. This is a beacon, a sign of what is best for our future. I’m looking forward to updating AGM attendees on these developments and exploring business opportunities within the Chamber’s community.”
Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said, “I am delighted to confirm Lord Triesman as our speaker for this year’s AGM. I am certain he will have some fascinating stories to tell from his time in politics, as well as his background as Chairman of the Football Association and his current involvement with the commercial development at the former ROF Bridgwater site.
“Economic development and investment across our region is critical and projects such as the Gravity not only reinforce the low carbon and energy credentials of our business community, but also provide a further boost for the legacy of the Hinkley Point C project.
“As Somerset Chamber’s new CEO, I look forward to meeting many of our members as well as business people from the wider Somerset business community at the AGM next month.”
The Somerset Chamber AGM takes place on Wednesday 21 November at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton. Regularly attracting over 60 delegates, the AGM provides an opportunity to celebrate the year’s successes and network with other business people from across the county.
The short AGM agenda will include an update on Somerset Chamber activity over the past 12 months, presentation of the annual accounts, and the election or re-election of directors to the board. Further details can be found on the Somerset Chamber website.
About
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business support organisation that promotes and lobbies for business development in Somerset in order to encourage a vibrant local economy. Accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce, Somerset Chamber ensures that member businesses stay well connected at a local, regional and national level, and that the voice of the Somerset business community is heard at all levels of government.