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The WNDC's remit is to develop the infrastructure in the area - revitalising town centres, overseeing construction of 47,000 homes and helping create 37,000 jobs.

“This corporation only has a ten-year lifespan so it's essential to get started fast,” says Roger Mendonca, Deputy Chief Executive, WNDC. “In the past, organisations like regional development agencies would run in ‘shadow form' for a year to prepare the ground. That wasn't the case here - action was required as soon as possible.” Three expert interims from Campion Willcocks provided the solution: Paul Foord as Chief Operating Officer, Paul Dupee as Director of Strategy, and Tracey Anthony-Winter as Head of Communications.

Fast set-up

Lessons learned from other corporations resulted in the ODPM seeking external support for the WNDC. As Paul Foord, interim COO, explains, “Concerns were raised about the time and expense involved in establishing corporations before they performed their role. The ODPM decided employing interim managers from the private sector would speed up the process.” The WNDC was established as a working organisation in less than six months. According to Paul Foord, “This not only meant the WDNC could get on with its work but also boosted morale and helped generate enthusiasm from stakeholders across the community.”

The right matches

Mendonca continues, “We asked Campion Willcocks to suggest candidates for COO. Experience was the main thing. They submitted two CVs. At interview we were very impressed - we wanted people who could get on with the job, so we hired them both. Later, based on its experience, Campion Willcocks proactively suggested someone for press and communications. We met Tracey and were again very impressed.”

Paul Foord says, “I was responsible for business and organisational planning, as well as overseeing finance, legal aspects, IT and HR policy, infrastructure creation, and recruiting the team.” Mendonca adds, “Paul knew what had to happen, took the lead and made it happen. In less than four months we had a functioning organisation, something that had taken previous corporations a year to achieve.”

As Head of Communications, Tracey Anthony-Winter was tasked with PR and communications. “My role was to establish a communications network with key stakeholders and partners.” Media coverage has been consistent and favourable. She adds, “We also had to keep costs down. I used a local company to design the logo and strapline, which meant a 75% reduction in what other delivery vehicles had paid. We also outsourced the website, receiving an enhanced solution that was again 75% below what other delivery vehicles had paid.” Following her success, WNDC employed Anthony-Winter on a permanent basis.

Transforming the region

Roger Mendonca says, “We were very happy. Campion Willcocks understood what we wanted to achieve and provided us with the right people. In the past, organisations like ours employed people from within the civil service. However, by its nature a development corporation needs a more private sector ethos, so you need people with that outlook. Of course, these Associates also had experience in the public sector, but as ‘outsiders' they could bring a really professional approach to our activities. The WNDC is now in a position where we can start actively fulfilling our brief: regenerating the region, to transform town centres and to create and safeguard jobs.”

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