Local Business and Community Engagement Manager appointed by Navitus Bay

Dorset-based businessman Ian Cambrook MBE has been appointed Business and Community Engagement Manager for the Navitus Bay offshore wind park project.

An elected councillor for the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the past five years and with a series of significant regional regeneration and economic development projects under his belt, Ian will develop a skills initiative and instigate discussions surrounding community benefit for the proposed wind park.

As an active ambassador for the project across the region, which includes Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Ian will engage with the business community and key stakeholders to ensure the many benefits and opportunities offered by the scheme are explained and understood.

Following a career in the Royal Air Force, Ian became general manager of an economic partnership in Dorset (2002-2006) and set up his own business in 2007 consulting in economic development and regeneration. Navitus Bay believes he is the ideal candidate to encompass the broad spectrum of opportunities surrounding the scheme across business, community, and with local government.

Ian says: “I am delighted to take on this new role. I will be a local champion for the project, help take forward the skills initiative and galvanise supporters of the project, of which we know there are many already.” Part of Ian’s role will also include taking forward discussions on what is known as ‘community benefit’ where developers make additional investment into the communities they are working to further maximise their positive impact.

Ian is married with three grown up children. He recently became a grandfather for the second time and continues: “For me, being a grandparent highlights the important need to move to a low carbon future, which will help tackle climate change, affordability and security of supply."

Mike Unsworth, Project Director for Navitus Bay adds: "Ian is a welcome addition to our hard working team and his enthusiasm for the project is infectious. He is a well-respected businessman who understands and loves Dorset and we look forward to reaching out to organisations and individuals through Ian's network of extensive contacts. It is important for us to ensure the full benefits associated with Navitus Bay are explained in the local community."

Ian Cambrook can be contacted at [email protected].