A new patron has been appointed for Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster.
John Clarke takes on the role at the major business organisation from Marcia Reid Fotheringham.
Dianne Richardson, chief executive of the cluster, said: “We are delighted to welcome John Clarke as patron of BECBC. I would like to extend our gratitude to Marcia for her wonderful support of the cluster and the energy and insights she has brought to our team and the wider membership during her time with us.
“As we look to the future, we are excited to have John join us. I look forward to working closely with him in further strengthening our involvement in the nuclear sector
as well as benefitting from his broad business and engineering expertise.”
John has held several positions in the nuclear industry over the last 40 years, including those of deputy MD of Sellafield, CEO of the NDA and president of the Nuclear Institute.
At present, he is a non-executive director and consultant for organisations in a variety of sectors, including rail, precision manufacturing, infrastructure and engineering.
He also serves as an advisor in the defence and civil nuclear sectors, in the United Kingdom and Europe. He is chair of trustees of the Rosehill Arts Trust Ltd in Whitehaven.
He said: “I’m honoured to be asked to follow Marcia and John Fyfe as patron of BECBC. I care passionately about West Cumbria and hope I can help local businesses continue to grow and thrive, providing quality work opportunities in the area.”
Since its launch in 2003, BECBC has worked closely with hundreds of businesses in the nuclear energy and decommissioning sectors and facilitated the bringing together of the local supply chain with some of the larger contract holders in the industry.
Lee Grears, chair of the cluster’s board, added: “Globally and nationally, we are seeing an increased importance of nuclear energy. John’s role as patron will further strengthen our members’ voice in that marketplace and increase their ability to maximise business opportunities within.”
