Bate fills chairman’s seat at NEM

Simon Bate, co-founder and director of Ask Developments, has been appointed chairman of urban regeneration company New East Manchester, replacing Robert Hough who held the position for seven years.

Prior to establoishing Ask in 2000, Bate was a director of Westport Developments which developed Barca and Deansgate Locks. He also led the acquisition of Dunlop GRG in 2000, providing the platform for Ask's First Street and Exchange Greengate projects.

He has recently helped NEM establish The Sharp Project for media and creative industries in Newton Heath.

Bate said: "This is a particularly interesting time to take on this role with major announcements imminent and a host of ambitious regeneration plans underway. Being located in Ancoats, Ask are personally enjoying the regeneration benefits that NEM are delivering to the area. To be have greater involvement in one of the biggest regeneration projects in the country, and to be given the opportunity to make a significance contribution to shaping this part of the city is extremely exciting, and a real privilege."

Robert Hough, who stepped down from NEM following his appointment to the chair of the North West Development Agency last year, said: "The past seven years working with New East Manchester have, without doubt, been some of the most rewarding of my career to date. It's been a privilege to work in east Manchester and I have met some truly remarkable people whose passion and pride for their area is inspirational. Urban renewal is never easy but by working closely with the communities we have helped make a real difference to people's lives which is incredibly satisfying."