GO WANSBECK MANAGER SET TO RETIRE

A leading figure in North East economic development and regeneration is retiring after a career spanning four decades.

Keith Raine is currently the programme manager of Go Wansbeck – the local enterprise growth initiative (LEGI) – where he has overseen the delivery of £16.5m of funding to improve levels of enterprise, economic activity and prosperity and confidence in the area.

Before Go Wansbeck he was one of the regional operations directors for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who played a key role in the Government’s response to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in 2001. In the latter stages of the outbreak, Keith co-ordinated the non veterinary aspects of disease control across the North East and acted as a spokesperson for the region.

Keith was also chief executive of the Wearside Opportunity – a business led regeneration agency responsible for the establishment of a private/public sector partnership and the design and administration of a Department of Trade and Industry package of training and enterprise measures following the closure of Sunderland’s shipyards.

Wansbeck has undergone significant transformation since the government-backed LEGI project began in 2007. It has gone from an area lacking an enterprise culture to one that boasts the title of Most Enterprising Place in the North East, after winning the accolade in this year’s prestigious Enterprising Britain competition.

Keith said: “The success of this project is down to the hard work of the entire Go Wansbeck team, the new and established businessmen and women who are doing so much to transform the area, and the fantastic response of the whole district to the LEGI programme. 

“I am extremely proud to have worked with such determined and enthusiastic people to devise and implement this project which has served to further boost local pride and focus positive regional attention on a district that had previously been renowned for facing considerable economic problems.”
Chair of Go Wansbeck, Brian Smith OBE, praised Keith’s contribution to the regeneration of the area. He said: ““On behalf of the Board and team of Go Wansbeck, I want to thank Keith for his considerable efforts and professional approach to the programme - Keith’s efforts in leading the project are highly regarded by us and all of the key stakeholders. The recognition that the Go Wansbeck programme is now getting both regionally and nationally is evidence of his achievements. 

“On a personal note I have worked with Keith over many years and always found him to have a clear focus on what needs to be done to make an impact for business.  I wish him well in his retirement and hope that he takes pride in his achievements when he visits Wansbeck in the future”

For further information about Go Wansbeck and the business support and advice on offer visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk or call 01670 842888.