Sir Howard Bernstein - City of Manchester
The City of Manchester is the powerhouse of the north of England. Home to 2.6 million people and more than 90,000 businesses, the city’s economy is valued at £48 billion – 40% of GVA for the entire north west of England.
Key industry sectors include: financial and professional services, manufacturing, low carbon, creative, digital and new media and life sciences and biotechnology. The city’s international connectivity is unrivaled outside of London, with Manchester Airport offering direct, non-stop services to more than 200 destinations around the world. Within the UK, the city is well placed on both the road and rail infrastructure to ensure ease of access from both the north and south. With the ongoing development of MediaCityUK, the Government’s financial support to ensure that the development of graphene takes place in Manchester and the creation of a Local Enterprise Zone at Airport City – the city’s future looks incredibly strong.
Sir Howard Bernstein joined the City Council as a Junior Clerk and became its Chief Executive in 1998. Following the terrorist bombing of the city centre in 1996 he was appointed Chief Executive of Manchester Millennium Ltd, overseeing the rebuilding of the City. He is known for his business acumen; for forging partnerships with the City’s key players; and for successfully attracting millions of pounds into the City. He played a key role in the regeneration of Hulme and continues to play a key role in area regeneration initiatives, most recently in East Manchester. Other key major projects include the Bridgewater Hall, the Velodrome, the Arena, Manchester Central/the International Convention Centre, City of Manchester Stadium and Sportcity Complex, the City Art Gallery.
Sir Howard was instrumental in securing Manchester as Host City for the XVII Commonwealth Games in 2002. He has been Clerk to Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (now GMITC) since the mid 1980s where he has taken a leading role in introducing metrolink, the first UK on-street public transport system. He was involved in the establishment of Manchester Airport as a plc in the mid-1980’s and has driven the expansion of the company into the next stage of commercial and physical development.
Sir Howard has been involved in several external appointments and is currently Chair of the West End commission looking at the future of London’s West End. He was knighted for his services to Manchester in 2003.
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Website – www.manchester.gov.uk
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