A leading international design and development expert is to join the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to advise on work to ensure economic growth benefits all the region’s diverse communities.

The secondment of Louise Wyman was announced as part of a package of new commitments launched at a key conference in Birmingham to discuss inclusive growth and development in the UK. Louise joins the WMCA on secondment from Homes England to work with the inclusive growth and public services team led by Henry Kippin.

Her new role was welcomed by Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street during his speech at the Better Design for Better Places Conference. Speaking about the new position Louise said:

“We want to make the West Midlands the home of great design, innovation, inclusive growth and investment. My hope is to bring my experience and design skills set to the region to help embed inclusion and wellbeing across a range of polices that will benefit citizens and communities.”

Louise’s appointment is seen as a key addition to the WMCA’s drive to improve the lives and health of citizens through investment in jobs, skills, transport and homes. Deborah Cadman, chief executive of the WMCA, added:

“We want to ensure that all our communities reap the rewards from the new jobs, skills and development the WMCA is bringing to the region. Inclusive growth will be central to everything we do so we are delighted to welcome Louise to help us develop our agenda.”