Scottish Forest Industries Advisory Board - Announcement of new Chair
Bob was formerly Senior Key Industries Manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise and sat on the previous Leadership Group. He has a broad experience to bring to the position of Chair of the Advisory Board at this important time. Bob took over from Stefan Kay OBE, Interim Chair, during the meeting.
Commenting on his appointment, Bob said “the establishment of the SFIAB is a tremendous opportunity for industry leaders to work closely with Scotland's enterprise agencies. The forest industries have real potential to make a significant contribution to the overall Scottish economy in so many ways and I am really looking forward to working with the Board and the wider industry to help realise that potential.”
From the Advisory Board’s point of view, Alex Brownlie commented, “it is extremely encouraging to see Bob taking on the role of Chairman of the SFIAB following such sound guidance and support given by Stefan Kay as the outgoing Chairman. At a time of significant economic challenge for many industries the appointment of Bob and the other members of the Board is a further positive step for the industry here in Scotland. I find it particularly encouraging that the sector has been so proactive with the formation of the SFIAB in line with the changing business environment here in Scotland and continues to show a willingness to grow and positively contribute both nationally and regionally.”
The Advisory Board made good progress at its first meeting and a number of working groups were established to take forward issues identified as of particular importance to the future of the sector. Representatives from appropriate sectors will be invited to take part in these working groups in the near future.
The Scottish Forest Industries Advisory Board has been established following the Government’s review of Scottish Enterprise last autumn. This created a new operating structure for Scottish Enterprise from 1 April 2008, focussing on enterprise, innovation and investment. The Forest Industries remain one of Scottish Enterprise’s priority sectors and the SFIAB replaces the previous Cluster Leadership Group, which was dissolved earlier this year.
Margaret Watson
Head of Forest Industries
Scottish Enterprise
Tel: 01387 245256
Email: margaret.watson@scotent.co.uk
Other members of the SFIAB are:
- Alex Brownlie, Director, BSW Timber plc
- Tom R Bruce Jones, Joint Managing Director, James Jones and Sons Ltd
- Steve Lavery, Managing Director, UPM Tilhill
- Hamish Macleod, Joint Managing Director, Howie Forest Products
- Colin Mann, Managing Director, Scottish Woodlands Ltd
- Richard Palmer, Commercial Director, A W Jenkinson Forest Products
- Fergus Tickell, Managing Director, Northern Energy Developments Ltd
- Dr Ed Suttie, Director, Timber Division, BRE
- George Webb, Group Purchasing Manager, Norbord Ltd
- Dr Bob McIntosh, Director Scotland, Forestry Commision Scotland
- Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive, ConFor
- Margaret Watson, Forest Industries Manager, Scottish Enterprise
- Archie McCreevy, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
The Scottish Forest Industries Cluster is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and ConFor.
ConFor (Confederation of Forest Industries) represents the whole UK forest industry from nurseries and growers to UK wood-processing end-users.