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Chris Smith
Managing Director at Centre for the New Midlands
Chris Smith is the Founder and Managing Director of the Centre for the New Midlands, an independent, non-partisan think tank focused on addressing social and economic challenges in the West Midlands region of the UK. He launched the organization in January 2020, aiming to develop and disseminate ideas to enhance the region's political discourse and improve the lives of its citizens. The Centre operates as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company headquartered in Coventry.123
Before founding the Centre, Chris worked for over 15 years in the UK Higher Education sector, specializing in student recruitment, stakeholder engagement, business development, and major gift fundraising. He also has experience working with the Home Office’s Immigration and Nationality Directorate and Saga Group plc. Additionally, he co-founded the AlSadi Changing Lives Programme, which funds volunteer programs for students in Jordan.13
Chris is actively involved in philanthropy, serving as a Business Ambassador for Acorns Children’s Hospice and previously as a member of the NSPCC Business Board in Coventry and Warwickshire. A passionate Tottenham Hotspur supporter, he was born in Kent but has lived in Coventry since 2003.13
Highlights
So folks - who is going to be at The Labour Party conference in #Liverpool? I am pleased to say that I will be representing Centre for the New Midlands - let me know if you are going to be in town and fancy a catch up (over a hot beverage of otherwise...)
The following week, we will also be in #Birmingham during The Conservative Party conference and are hosting an invitation only event on 1st October for our members with our fantastic partners Gallagher and Walk Through Walls.
Look forward to hearing from you! Gary Sambrook Steve Fletcher BA (Hons) ACII #newmidlands #coventry #wovlerhampton #birmingham #policy #thinktank #research #ideas #conference #network #reimaginingtheregion
Here we are at Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse at The Cube for our next roundtable. The theme today is The Route to Sustainability for SMEs.
Huge thanks to our partners Sustainability West Midlands for chairing the session today and to our event sponsors Unity Trust Bank for making it possible.
Centre for the New Midlands Anna Bright Colin Fyfe Joshua H. Meek
