Neil leads the external affairs team

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce have welcomed Neil Anderson, into the permanent role of director of policy, marketing and communications.

Neil, who has been heading up the Chamber’s external affairs team on an interim basis for the last 15 months, said: “I’m thrilled to be leading the Chamber’s external affairs team at such an exciting time in its development and look forward to continuing our work with members and partners who are doing such great work.

"The Chamber are now forging ahead with exciting plans following a period of transition and I’m relishing being part of a forward-thinking, innovative, senior management team under chief executive Corin Crane. This region is the beating heart of midland manufacturing and there is a lot to shout about.”

A proud West Midlander, Neil has played an active role throughout his career raising the profile of the region and its prospects with positions at Cadbury, Cadbury World and as director of strategy and brand at Millennium Point, as well as a number of executive positions including Fircroft College, Full Potential Arts and chair of Midland LGBT Employee Network, Birmingham LGBT and the SHOUT Festival.

No stranger to the Black Country, Neil is a graduate of the University of Wolverhampton and was head of audience development and commercial operations at The Public in Sandwell.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber said: “We’re so pleased that Neil has decided to stay on a permanent basis at such a crucial time in the Chamber’s development. He will be leading the marketing and comms for our new tourism and international trade offers and pushing ahead with our new digital strategy. He knows the area well, has loads of experience and will build on recent Chamber success.”