Marketing Cheshire strengthens team

The newly formed inward investment and tourism agency has announced its latest recruits, Barrie Kelly and Stephen Potter.

Barrie Kelly has been brought in to bring a new marketing approach to developing business across Cheshire and Warrington. He rejoined Marketing Cheshire in June 2011 from St Helens Chamber, where he was marketing and development director. Before that he worked at Visit Chester & Cheshire, the forerunner of Marketing Cheshire, as commercial director and director of operations for four years. Earlier in his career he worked at The Mersey Partnership as head of marketing and commercial development and the Data Protection Office as communications director.

Kelly said: "There is currently a lack of awareness of the world-class businesses operating in Cheshire and Warrington and the opportunities available for business to expand and locate here. My role will focus on working with key partners to drive the proposition and place promotion through key campaigns. We want investors and businesses to take a fresh look at the unique proposition the area offers."

Stephen Potter has joined the organisation to focus on coordinating the marketing and communications of Warrington as a 'place' in its key external markets. Previously Potter worked for the sub-regional economic development agency, The Mersey Partnership, and prior to that in a similar role at Southampton City Council.

Potter will work with place shapers such as the local authorities, Warrington & Co, property developers, land owners and other key stakeholders.

Peter Crompton, chairman of Warrington & Co, the regeneration company, and director of planning and regeneration at BE Group, said: "Warrington offers a place for investment and relocation – it is a great and proven place to live, work, visit and to invest in. We are delighted that Stephen and Barrie will be working to identify and support key networks across key sectors in Warrington."

Chris Brown, chief executive of Marketing Cheshire, said: "Both Barrie and Stephen are important additions to the team. We have all the right ingredients in Cheshire and Warrington to drive economic growth; the aim is to get that message across loudly and clearly to a diverse audience and these new appointments, with their wealth of experience, will provide the support to make this happen."