New role for former chairman of Kidderminster's Victoria Carpets (From Dudley News)

New role for former chairman of Kidderminster's Victoria Carpets

8:10am Friday 4th May 2012 in Business Daily

A FORMER chairman of Kidderminster’s Victoria Carpets has a new role assisting UK businesses to innovate and bring new cutting-edge commercial products to market.

Bob Gilbert has been appointed chairman of the High Value Manufacting Centre of the Technology Strategy Board.

Mr Gilbert worked for 35 years as a senior partner in Birmingham-based law firm Wragge & Co, a role which led to him sitting on the board, as non-executive chairman, of several private and publicly quoted companies, including Victoria.

He is currently chairman of Paintbox Group and the Government’s Intellectual Property Office, roles he will continue in addition to his new role.

Mr Gilbert will chair the supervisory board of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which is intended to help grow the UK’s manufacturing base.

His responsibilities will include ensuring the Catapult team meets its strategic objectives, agreed with the Technology Strategy Board, as well as ensuring good corporate governance for the organisation.

Iain Gray, chief executive of the Technology Strategy Board, said: “We are delighted that Bob will be joining the Catapult team.

“As a proven leader and experienced board chairman, he will make a valuable contribution to help realise the vision for the Catapult, which will help the growth of high-value manufacturing in the UK.”

Mr Gilbert said: “The High Value Manufacturing Catapult is a bold new concept, which will undoubtedly change the landscape of manufacturing in the UK.

“I look forward to playing my part in the provision of cutting-edge technology, equipment, investment and the necessary skills to ensure that manufacturing plays its proper part in the Government's growth agenda.“