Media release
7th July 2015 For immediate release
West London Business appoints new Chief Executive
West London Business (WLB), the strategic business representative group for West London, has announced the appointment of Andrew Dakers as Chief Executive. Dakers takes over on September 1st, succeeding Frank Wingate, who is retiring after filling the post for the last eleven years.
WLB Vice Chairman, Andrew Ward, said the Board was delighted with Andrew Dakers’ appointment and are confident that he has the experience and qualities to lead the organisation into its exciting next phase of development.
“We are very pleased Andrew is joining us – he brings to the post exactly the right combination of business drive, political knowhow and commitment to West London that WLB needs at this time”, he commented.
“Frank’s done a great job steering WLB through the last decade, including meeting the challenges that arose following the ending of WLB’s London Development Agency funding. With developments such as the Park Royal Business Group and the West London Business Awards, Frank steered WLB to fulfil a distinctive role for businesses in West London. We are now well positioned to move forwards and Andrew has the capabilities
to build on Frank’s legacy. The Board and membership has never been stronger in its enthusiasm for the West London agenda, with the huge opportunities coming with an expanded Heathrow and the Old Oak Common development, as well as other major developments across the sub-region.”
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Prior to that he gained experience in public affairs at Business in the Community and business change management at GlaxoSmithKline, and has spent ten years active in local and national politics. For four years he was a prominent and widely respected councillor
in Hounslow Borough and stood as a parliamentary candidate in two national elections.
He has also been a module leader for Bradford University’s highly regarded international MBA programme.
“I am very excited to have been given this opportunity at this time,” said Dakers. “I am a great believer in West London’s potential, especially given the welcome announcement
of the Airport Commission. West London Business has the reputation and support to play a leading role in promoting the business voice in West London. I look forward to working with the WLB Board, the members – large and small, and the West London boroughs.”
West London Business (WLB) provides a representative voice for the private sector in West London, while working to enhance West London’s business environment. WLB delivers a premier networking offer for both private and public sectors. Representing over 800 members, including international brands such as the BBC, SEGRO, Canon, Xerox, Jones Lang LaSalle, HSBC, Heathrow, PwC and Brunel University London, WLB engages with 6-7,000 businesses annually.
WLB helped with the establishment of the Park Royal Business Group and works with local chambers in pursuing its economic development agenda. In parallel, WLB enjoys
co-operation with West London boroughs, promoting the local economy as an investment destination.
To find out more about West London Business visit
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...Notes to Editor overleaf
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Notes to Editor
Image Caption:
- West London Business has appointed Andrew Dakers as Chief Executive
About West London Business
West London Business works to ensure West London stays the best place to do business. West London is the UK’s second largest economic powerhouse with £50 billion GVA and 70,000+ businesses. We are a business-led organisation with a blue-chip board that includes corporations such as GSK, SEGRO and PwC, as well as key regional firms such as Fullers and Brompton Bicycles. We have a membership of many hundreds, 9000+ supporters and 30+ events per annum, including the West London Business Awards.
Our commitment is to raise West London’s global economic competitiveness, whilst pursuing social and environmental sustainability. We work towards these goals by providing insight, voice and connections to our members and the wider business community. Through this programme we inform and influence the work of local, regional and national government policymakers and promote inward investment.
To find out more, visit
PR Contact:
Simon Wade, MCIPR, PR Consultant for West London Business
M: 07802 440246
E: