NORTH-WEST firms will have a new champion from the end of February, when Damian Waters becomes the Confederation of British Industry's acting regional director.

Mr Waters who has been assistant director for three years, is to stand in for Chris Clifford, who will temporarily run the CBI's West Midlands region while the permanent director is on maternity leave.

The arrangement will be for 12 months, after which it will be reviewed. Before joining the CBI, Mr Waters worked for six years for the Merseyside Education Business Partnership.

His role as development officer involved encouraging businesses and schools to work together.

Mr Clifford said today: "He will do an excellent job as regional director for the north west.

"He is already well known to member companies, politicians and organisations in the region, and has the right skills to take on the challenge." Tweet