Leamington tech company boss to help lead Covid-19 recovery

Sarah Windrum, the founder and director of technology company The Emerald Group, based in Trident Park, Poseidon Way, will take over as chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) in April to help lead the area’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

She will succeed Nick Abell when his term of office ends.

She said: “This has been the toughest period that many businesses have ever faced and the CWLEP will be continuing its successful partnership approach to provide the assistance which companies of all sizes and in all sectors need to recover.”

She said: “The digital and creative community has played a major part in helping businesses to secure online orders and interest whether that has been in retail or virtual tours of visitor attractions and that will increase as 5G becomes embedded in our communities.

“I am honoured to become chair of the CWLEP and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead because I am a great believer in making a positive difference.”

Mr Abell will remain as vice-chair of the CWLEP which has brought over £330 million of government funding to Coventry and Warwickshire since it was formed in 2011.

He said: “It was a unanimous choice to suggest to the board that Sarah should become our new chair because of the vibrancy, enthusiasm and ambition she will bring to the position.

“Sarah also has vast knowledge of the digital and creative industry which is becoming an increasingly important sector and I have every confidence that our board will be able to provide any support she needs to develop her experience as chair.”