Andy Williams is a highly experienced leader in regeneration, economic development, and sustainability, with a track record of securing millions in investment for Coventry’s growth. As Director of Regeneration and Economy at Coventry City Council, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s economic and environmental strategy, leading major projects in energy, infrastructure, and inward investment.
Andy was instrumental in securing Coventry’s 15-year Strategic Energy Partnership with E.ON, an initiative aimed at decarbonising the city and driving sustainable energy solutions. His leadership extends to key regional and national boards, including the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, West Midlands Growth Company, and Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub.
With deep expertise in public-private partnerships, climate change strategy, and financial management, Andy brings strategic insight and leadership to the Coventry Strategic Energy Partnership Board, helping to drive the city’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
Andy also leads the Council’s work with Sports, Culture, Events and Tourism.
Pam was a senior administrator at a computer software company before studying marketing. She began marketing manufacturing software through promotional events and seminars.
With questions about sustainability, Pam then went to university to study geography as a mature student. After university she joined a national NGO where she managed community and small business environmental improvement projects. After becoming Regional Project Manager, delivering funded business services programmes, Pam became involved in research for the nascent MarchantCain Ltd. set up by her husband and decided to concentrate her efforts on the company.
She was responsible for marketing MarchantCain as a design and development company in the automotive and technologies sectors and was also responsible for managing HR. The company now has an enviable reputation for high quality design and manufacture of complex mechatronic components.
With the advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors needing engineers, Pam also spends time visiting schools, colleges and universities to inform young people about the wide range of careers in engineering.
Dave is currently Director of Economy & Place at Warwickshire County Council, with responsibility for a range of services predominantly focused on the sustainable growth and development of Warwickshire, and including the Council’s economic development and employment & skills functions. Dave is an economist by background, and has worked on national, regional and local economic development for most of his career, and is passionate about inclusive, sustainable and productive economic growth.
Sheridan, CEO at CWRT, is a passionate advocate for economic development, social impact, and business growth. With extensive experience in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting businesses of all sizes, Sheridan is dedicated to driving sustainable economic success across Coventry and Warwickshire. A champion for underserved communities, Sheridan works to create inclusive opportunities, ensuring that businesses and social enterprises have the tools, funding, and guidance they need to thrive. Committed to collaboration and innovation, Sheridan continues to empower local businesses, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful change through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives.
Rob is a Chartered Town Planner who leads Planning Services for Coventry City Council. Rob has more than twenty years experience in planning and development across the midlands having worked in related roles in both the public and private sectors.
Rob has managed planning functions for local authorities in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire and has been involved in some of the most significant strategic consents across those areas over the last twenty years.
Living in Leicestershire, Rob enjoys family time with his partner and their three children and is a keen supporter of Leicester Tigers.
David is the Chief Executive of Stratford on Avon District Council. An accountant by career David has worked in local government for 35 years in various roles, which started at Colchester Borough Council. Working with the elected members at Stratford, David has co-developed an ambitious Council Plan that includes helping support the Local Economy of the District as one its 6 main objectives. The Council is currently in the process of drawing up a new Local Plan, in partnership with Warwick District Council.
This Council welcomes the publication of the recent English Devolution White Paper, and at the same time recognises the challenges that the required Local Government reorganisation will bring.
Sean Farnell is a Partner at Burgis & Bullock Chartered Accountants, specialising in client services and business growth for owner-managed businesses. With over 30 years of experience, Sean has been instrumental in providing strategic business advice, profit growth support, and systems and process improvements to a diverse portfolio of clients, including SMEs, family-owned businesses, and larger corporations.
Sean's expertise spans various industries such as engineering, software and technology, land property and construction, education, and the care sector. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach have earned him recognition, including the CEO Today UK Awards in 2023.
Sean was the SME and Access to Finance lead Director of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and is a current director of Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) and Growth Hub Business Solutions.
Sean's contributions to the local business community are complemented by his role as a sought-after speaker, where he shares practical strategies on navigating financial frameworks, securing funding, and achieving sustainable success. His insights are invaluable to businesses at all stages of their lifecycle, from inception to growth and beyond.
Outside of his professional life, Sean is a passionate cook, a beagle enthusiast, and a devoted supporter of the Leicester Tigers Rugby team. He also enjoys spending time at his house in Provence.
Brian has a career of 39 years in banking, in customer facing roles, concentrating on SME businesses. He has been a Relationship Banker, looking after a variety of customers with a sector focus on manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and tourism and, latterly, he was Head of Commercial Banking for the UK with Clydesdale Bank.
Having lived outside Rugby for the last 29 years he has been active in the Coventry and Warwickshire business area. When the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was originally formed, Brian headed up the Access to Finance team, working closely with local professionals prior to the commencement of the Growth Hub.
He is also a Director of Maven 4 VCT and sits on the Credit Committee for the FSE Group.
He has two grown up children and three grandchildren who keep him and his wife, Jan, busy. Other interests include walking, eating out, and exploring the world
Craig has a wealth of experience working across both private and public sectors, with a career spanning more than 30 years.
His role as Leader of Rugby Borough Council was extended in 2010 when he became the first Executive Leader in the country. Praised for his strong and progressive leadership by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State, Craig is now at the forefront of the growth agenda within Coventry and Warwickshire.
Recognising the need for businesses to have a single point of contact for support, he instigated the nationally recognised model of account management alongside robust data to assist decision making across the sub-region.
Out of hours, Craig raises funds for The Motor Neurone Disease Association and likes nothing more than spending a few hours trying to manoeuvre a golf ball around Lutterworth Golf Club in as few shots as possible.
Adam is a qualified accountant with more than 30 years' financial management experience, working his way up from trainee to the CEO of Rugby Borough Council, working as a Strategic Finance Manager at Northamptonshire County Council along the way.
Adam has been responsible for leading a whole host of major transformational projects and has cultivated successful relationships across the public, private and voluntary sectors throughout his career.
Outside of work, Adam enjoys socialising, is a keen quizzer and loves a wide variety of sports, especially football, rugby, cricket and golf.
Find out how CW Growth Hub can help your business
Part of the Government-supported growth hub network and the CW Growth Hub Group
