New Chair and directors appointed as BECBC strengthens leadership at pivotal moment for Cumbria

Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) has appointed a new Chair and four new Board Directors, strengthening its leadership as Cumbria enters a pivotal period shaped by four nationally critical missions. 

The appointments come at a time when Cumbria is playing an increasingly important role in the UK’s future across clean energy, security of supply, skills and economic resilience, as set out in the White Paper on Cumbria’s Four National Missions. 

The new Chair and Directors were formally inducted at BECBC’s Annual AGM, held at the North Lakes Hotel on 17 April.  

BECBC is a member‑led business cluster representing organisations from across Cumbria’s energy and wider supply chain. For more than 20 years, it has provided a collective voice for businesses, supporting collaboration, growth and influence at local, regional and national level. 

Appointed as Chair by the existing Board is Tom Scaife, a Partner at Knights specialising in employment law. Tom has supported BECBC for more than a decade. 

“This is a critical moment for Cumbria,” said Tom. “We have a clear set of national missions, a strong regional proposition and, very soon, a new Mayor and new decision‑making structures. It is absolutely vital that BECBC, and by extension our members, are in the right rooms at the right time, helping to shape those conversations rather than reacting to them.” 

He added: “The White Paper gives us a shared language and a shared direction. My role as Chair is to make sure we use that to actively support businesses, whether that is helping them influence policy, connect into emerging opportunities or collaborate in ways that strengthen Cumbria’s position nationally. Championing that work and ensuring it delivers tangible value for our members will be a key part of the legacy I want to help build.” 

Tom also paid tribute to Paul Pointon, the outgoing Chair. “I want to sincerely thank Paul for his leadership, support and commitment to BECBC,” he said. “He has helped strengthen both the organisation and its external relationships, and I am building on very strong foundations.” 

Alongside Tom’s appointment, four new Directors have joined the Board, including Heather Grisdale of The Harrison Network and Graham Cartwright of Forth. 

Heather Grisdale said: “I bring to the Board a clear understanding of how people work across different industries and a practical improvement mindset that helps teams move from good intentions to real progress. When I’m in other rooms, I’ll advocate for BECBC and bring back anything beneficial because I truly believe in the value the Cluster adds.” 

Graham Cartwright added: “I understand the pressures on SMEs operating in the energy sector, from supply chain demands and skills shortages to regulation and constant change. Through the RESOLVE collaboration with fellow BECBC members, I can also bring insight into how partnership working strengthens capability and competitiveness across the region.” 

Also joining the Board is Andrew Williams, Projects Director for AtkinsRealis’ Decommissioning Market and International Lead for Business Development, who brings nearly 20 years’ experience in the nuclear sector. 
The fourth new Director is Duncan Elliott of Morgan Sindall, who brings extensive leadership experience from the nuclear infrastructure sector and a strong track record in collaborative delivery across major Sellafield frameworks. 

Dianne Richardson, CEO of BECBC, said: “BECBC has always strived to represent its members. Our new Chair and Directors, sitting alongside those who already serve on the Board, bring decades of combined supply chain knowledge and a clear dedication to our members and to Cumbria. I would also like to thank Paul for his support and leadership as Chair, and Deputy Chair Ruth Sellick for her support over many years, which has helped position the Cluster strongly for the next phase.” 

With refreshed leadership in place, BECBC is positioning itself and its members to play a central role in delivering Cumbria’s four national missions and shaping the county’s future.