BUSINESS West has appointed a new non-executive director to strengthen its board.

Janine Woodcock, who has almost 20 years experience at board level with global marketing agencies, across a broad range of sectors, will be bringing her expertise to the organistion which represents and works with over 18,000 businesses across the south west.

Stephen Robertson, chairman of Business West, said: “I am delighted to welcome Janine, whose wide ranging experience in marketing strategy, business development and driving business growth – as well as her training as a coach and leadership mentor - will be of tremendous benefit to Business West.

"Her track record of helping companies to improve operations and grow their business mirrors Business West’s objectives.

"The constantly evolving area of digital marketing is vital for businesses to keep abreast of and I have no doubt that Business West will benefit from Janine’s vast experience in this area.”

Ms Woodcock, a qualified digital marketer and executive coach who lives in Bristol, runs Zingg Ltd which provides leadership, personal and business development.

She said: “I believe in the importance of the leadership and business support role that Business West plays. Its influence is far reaching at a local, regional, national and indeed international level.

"I look forward to sharing my experience of working in a range of entrepreneurial companies which very much reflects the type of companies Business West aims to support.”

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, said: “The high calibre of Janine’s appointment is a reflection of the important role that Business West brings to the business community in this region.

“Our remit is to offer leadership and business support to a large number of diverse companies, so it is important for our board to attract business people from a wide range of backgrounds, to better understand the needs of these businesses.

“Our board of directors is made up of unpaid volunteers, giving freely of their time and business expertise and we greatly value their help in the development of Business West.”