| Business & Economic Development

Events 


T
he Northwest Region has a large number of regular networking events and training courses, and the flagship awards, dinners and seminars are renowned for the calibre of hosts, speakers and guests. 
The North West Director of the Year Awards have attracted such high-profile names as Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, and 2007 winner, Vernon Barker, Managing Director of First Transpennine Express, is one of the most successful business people in the country. 
ThereÕs also a mix of networking and educational events, such as business breakfasts, annual dinners 
Ð all with an impressive array of speakers from business experts to professional pundits.  Visit the link, www.iod.com/northwest/events, to get a flavour of whatÕs on the IODÕs calendar this year. 

Premises 
As the NorthwestÕs corporate communities continue to win business across the country and, indeed, across the world, a base away from the office is becoming more and more important to many directors.  The IoD offers its members free access to a network of exclusive premises in key cities, including London, Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading and Paris, with free public meeting spaces and private meeting facilities for hire.  The North West also enjoys access to meeting rooms in Liverpool and Carlisle. Like the Manchester ÔLoungeÕ these are free to members and can be used as a space for meetings or just a place to catch up on emails and messages when on the road. 
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The IoD offers its members free access to a network of exclusive premises in key cities 


Gabby Logan, Host for the 2008 Director of the Year Awards Ceremony  Sir Trevor McDonald; Robert Hough from Peel Holdings Ltd, winner of the 2007 Chairman Award; Ann Jordan, Chair, IoD North West  Vernon Barker from FirstTranspennine Express, winner of the 2007 Director of the Year Award accepting his award from Yorkshire Bank  
Guests on the Top Table enjoying the evening  

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Expertise and Advice 
Considering the barrage of legislation facing business today, the IoDÕs policy team, headed by IoD Director General Miles Templeman, is an essential lobbying group, focused on ensuring there is an environment in which business innovation can flourish.  The team comprises specialists from across all areas of public policy related to business: economics, taxation, European affairs, regulation, transport, business issues, e-commerce, education, health, environment and corporate governance. 
The IoD Policy team also provides regular commentary on the UK economic outlook, and its publications keep members up-to-date on the latest issues affecting their businesses. Members can help formulate policy responses by contributing views through surveys, by contacting the team directly or attending events.  There is Ôstrength in numbersÕ and the more directors who get involved, the louder our voice will be. 
Tel. 0161 209 3155  | www.iod.com