New chair for Peak District business group

Business Peak District, for which East Midlands Chamber is the accountable body, has appointed a new chairman.

Dr Peter Dewhurst will take over from Robin Eyre, who is stepping down after five years in the role, during which he led the group through the Covid-19 pandemic, organising a series of webinars to support business owners.

More recently Robin led negotiations with the chamber, which led to the appointment of Kate Kearns as a Business Peak District support officer.

Peter, who is the director of strategic projects at the University of Derby, said: “My aim will be to build on the foundations laid by the previous chair and in collaboration with key partners, support both existing and future Peak District-based businesses to achieve their full potential, while helping to ensure a low carbon and sustainable future for the economy of the Peak District.

“I also believe that the current period is a time when there is a need for Business Peak District to become a more visible champion and voice of businesses within the Peak District.”