Dinner: Devolution Dialogue

Our Moderator Jo Henwood is a freelance journalist, editor and Public Relations professional, Jo’s career has spanned national newspapers, regional radio, magazines and local papers. She is currently editor of the Liverpool-based NHS MC Magazine and a regular panel host for Chester Cathedral’s Assemble events. She was PR Manager for Telegraph plc when The Daily Telegraph was selling more than 1million copies every day and, as Digital Editor of the Chester Chronicle, Jo’s team won the 2014 North West’s O2 New Media award. Since 2013, Jo has handled PR for the historic, quinquennial Chester Mystery Plays, securing features on national TV, radio, magazines and newspapers. A lover of theatre and contemporary dance, Jo once danced for the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.

As Director of Economy and Housing of Cheshire West & Chester Council, Gemma Davies is responsible for Planning Services, Economic Growth, Housing and Capital Delivery. Key priorities are delivering positive place making, an inclusive economy, the climate emergency response and tackling rough sleeping and homelessness, alongside external partners. Gemma’s background is in economic development and project management, graduating from Lancaster University in 2004. Her 21 year career in the public sector started in the Economic Development team at Chester City Council and includes a four-year period at Shropshire Council as Head of Economic Growth, leading on the development of its economic growth plans, a Local Plan Review of its planning services and Connecting Shropshire. Latterly, Gemma is highly involved in Cheshire and Warrington’s ambitious plans for devolution as part of the Government’s Priority Programme.

Trevor Brocklebank served as Deputy Chairman of the Board at Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership. He co-founded Warrington-headquartered Home Instead Senior Care, now a £150m company recognized as the UK’s leading home care specialist. He also co-founded Mezenet, an IT Business Intelligence Consultancy, servicing clients such as Unilever, the BBC, and Novartis. His other roles include Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust, where he is a Non-Executive Director, a fast-growing leading provider of online employee engagement surveys. He is also a former Chair of the British Franchise Association (BFA) and the United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA).

Cllr Richard Beacham represents the Newton and Hoole ward in Chester on Cheshire West and Chester Council. He is the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy and Regeneration. He has a close working relationship with the managers of the Business Improvement Districts in West Cheshire and serves on various development boards across the Borough. He is a member of the Cheshire and Warrington Rural Strategy Board and is on the LEP Enterprise Zone Board.

Cllr Adrian Waddelove represents the Farndon ward near Chester on Cheshire West and Chester Council. He is the Leader of the Conservative Group. Adrian was born in Chester and has lived in the Eddisbury parliamentary constituency all his life. A graduate from Durham University, he works in public affairs.

Jamie Christon is the CEO of Chester Zoo, the most visited zoo in the UK and a major employer in Cheshire. It is a global conservation powerhouse, working in 21 countries around the world. He is a member of the Cheshire & Warrington Business Advisory Board and Chair of Marketing Cheshire. Jamie is a Trustee and Chair of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and on the Council of The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He is a governor of The Kings School in Chester and a Fellow of Liverpool John Moore’s University. In 2023 Jamie was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant within the County of Cheshire.

Annabel Turpin is CEO of Storyhouse in Chester and former CEO & Artistic Director of ARC in Stockton on Tees, one of the North East’s largest arts venues. She is also Co-Director of Future Arts Centres, a national network of 160+ arts centres, committed to championing their artistic and social contribution to the cultural and civic life of UK towns and cities. Annabel is Chair of the North Area Council for Arts Council England, and a member of their National Council. She is a member of the Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board. She was formerly Deputy Chair and Strategic Lead for Creative Place for the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Business Board (LEP) and co-chaired the Creative Place Advisory Group. Other roles included serving as a North East Culture Partnership board member and leading the independent Tees Valley Creative & Visitor Economy Task Force, established by the Tees Valley Mayor.

Paul Bissell is Professor of Public Health & Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation at the University of Chester.