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Simon Coward has been appointed as the new Head of Economic Development at Opportunity Peterborough, the city’s economic development company.

Simon formerly ran Hethel Innovation, including Hethel Engineering Centre and Scottow Enterprise Park, in Norfolk for nearly 10 years after undertaking the role of Head of Innovation and Enterprise Hubs for Norfolk County Council. Most recently he was Commercial Director for Allia. 

As a leading figure within manufacturing, Simon has already helped shape policy for the region having recently authored the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Sector Strategy for the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. 

“Peterborough’s robust and diverse economy gives it so much potential going well into the future. I’m looking forward to working with businesses in the city and partners across Peterborough and neighbouring districts so we can achieve greater growth in the wider economy and make it and even better area to do business.” said Simon.

Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough added, “Opportunity Peterborough is continuing to drive the city’s economic growth as a whole but with a renewed focus on supporting the manufacturing sector’s digitisation which is disrupting industry but creating high quality employment opportunities and enhancing innovation. Simon is bringing a huge amount of expertise in this area to our team and we’re very excited to have him on board.”