Two new Deputy Directors join the Great South West Executive team
James Fairbairn and Sajid Butt have joined the Great South West Partnership as Deputy Directors.
The Great South West Partnership announces the appointments of James Fairbairn as Deputy Director of Investment and Growth together with Sajid Butt as Deputy Director of Business Insights.
The Great South West is widely seen as an organisation which ‘stands as the powerhouse brand dedicated to driving investment and showcasing the region’s exceptional industries, businesses, and workforce.’
It often promotes key sectors in the business community for Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset along with the Isles of Scilly.
James Fairbairn joins the Partnership from Cornwall Space Cluster, where he was Space Cluster Development Manager, leading on partnership development and promotional activities.
He has more than six years of experience in the aerospace sector and was previously Business Development Manager at AeroSpace Cornwall.
‘The Great South West is critical to the UK economy. I am really looking forward to helping grow our key industries, including clean energy, food security and defence,’ explains James.
‘Coming from the space sector, it’s exciting to see how satellite technology underpins these key parts of our economy.’
Sajid Butt, Deputy Director of Business Insights and James Fairbairn as Deputy Director of Investment and Growth at The Great South West Partnership. Image provided by The Great South West Partnership.
‘A great opportunity to access new markets’
‘The South West has a great opportunity to access new markets, including expanding internationally, and I’m excited to help seize these opportunities and leverage investment into the region for our businesses and economy.’
The new directors will be working alongside Chair Karl Tucker and Director Ahmed Goga.
Sajid Butt joins from Enterprise M3, where he was previously Head of Policy, Intelligence and Communications where he was leading on strategic direction, policy development and programme implementation for a low-carbon, high-growth region.
He also worked in the strategic policy and economic development field as Strategic Skills Manager at Southampton City Council, where he focused on skills development, business growth and future work trends.
‘I am delighted to join Ahmed’s newly assembled team and support the Great South West Partnership in delivering on its goals,’ says Sajid.
‘I have been hugely impressed by the ambition and collaborative nature of its work to date; all done at pace and with real enthusiasm across the Partnership.’
‘It’s evident the region has immense strategic and natural assets that could serve as a blueprint for a dynamic framework for economic growth that benefits generations to come.’
‘I look forward to working with business groups and stakeholders to showcase the incredible opportunities in the region, build insights on the key issues they are facing, and mobilise our collective voice to inform our work in Westminster and Whitehall following the General Election.’
Pivotal roles in fostering strong and influential partnerships
Both Deputy Directors will play pivotal roles in fostering strong and influential partnerships across the private and public sectors, cultivating a shared ambition and passion for catalysing economic growth throughout the Great South West.
‘I am delighted to welcome James and Sajid to the Great South West team,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership. ‘Their extensive experience and proven leadership will be invaluable assets as we work to unlock the economic potential of our region.’
Earlier this year, the Great South West announced it would be hosting a major conference focusing on the UK’s future prosperity. The event is due to take place at Sandy Park in Exeter on Friday 13 September
