It is with great sadness that the Directors of The Enterprise Forum report the death of our chairman Mr Andrew Cumpsty.
The fact that the Forum is now an integral part of the national conversation in respect of business and enterprise is a lasting tribute to Andrew’s work and vision.
When Andrew realised, over 25 years ago, that there needed to be an organisation to enable the exchange of views and information between the politicians, government and the executive and business and enterprise, he set about bringing the Forum into being. The fact that the Forum now occupies such a special place in the national conversation is a tribute to Andrew’s tireless endeavour and no small amount of Lancastrian grit. To say that he will be greatly missed is a trite understatement, but wholly true.
The team that he has built and led and the structure that he has created will be a continuing tribute to his imagination and industry.
The entire Enterprise Forum family will mourn the loss of Andrew’s ebullience and humour, his drive and tenacity, his compassion and humanity, his loyalty and vigour and his desire to make our world a better place.
We will endeavour to manifest these values as we go forward, in sadness at the absence of our friend, but with his resolution, his humour and his hope.
Rt Hon The Lord Eric Pickles, President, The Enterprise Forum:
“I want to add a few words about a man I have known for over thirty-five years who became a good friend.
I first met Andrew when he was a student at Bradford University, and I was the Leader of the City Council; over the years, our paths crossed many times at Conservative Party events. He was an exceptionally talented Leader of the Reading Council and co-founder of the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Later, we served together on the government’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments and the Enterprise Forum. In all these roles, he brought his customary drive, determination, and charm.
Above everything, Andrew was such good company. He was a natural wit with a wicked sense of humour. Rarely a day would go by without an exchange of texts about the occasionally bizarre world of politics. Over recent years, I have laughed more in his company than in any others. Like all his friends, I will miss him greatly. Yet, even at the suddenness of his death, I find it impossible to think of Andrew without smiling. He made our lives better, and I am grateful for his friendship.”
Rt Hon Alistair Burt, Co-Founder, The Enterprise Forum:
“When I was a young MP in Bury, I made a speech in Parliament comparing the lost jobs in manufacturing in my northern constituency with “McDonalds” employment, not particularly favourably towards fast foods. I received almost immediately a call from the manager of the local McDonald’s in Bury, suggesting that before I sounded off again, I might like to visit them, and take a look at their employment and training, and perhaps I would not be quite so stupid in the future. That manager was Andrew Cumpsty, and thus began a friendship between us of some thirty years.
Andrew’s commitment to fairness, the societal value of business and his political acumen led to a discussion between us following the election of 1997, of how political parties treated business. Andrew observed that, especially in the run up to an election, parties appeared to demand that businesses endorse their manifestos, which made them wary of engagement. And contact with the Opposition was negligible, as business concluded that contact with Government alone served their interest.
He told me that we should change that, that business should be able to suggest improvements to the culture surrounding enterprise to all parties, without being extorted for money in donations or expressions of party political support, as the aim of business was to have their interests supported in all manifestos. He suggested we seek the support of Gerald Frankel, who had built up Labours Industry Forum whilst it was the Opposition, explaining that, straightforwardly, we wanted to open a channel with the new Conservative Opposition, for the same purposes as he had-to ensure those who might hold the reins of power one day knew what business needed. Over a lunch at Vasco and Piero’s Pavilion, Gerald became an enthusiast for Andrews idea, the first of many conversions.
Andrew’s perception led to the creation of the Enterprise Forum, and his extraordinary commitment to it for over twenty five years has seen his idea grow into the successful channel of communication which is unique in our politics. I have had the great joy of seeing my friend succeed, seeing his commitment rewarded by his securing not just high quality membership, but a place at the tables of all parties, as he put open communication and the benefits to business, their employees and the economy ahead of any party political interests. To be both an active and successful Conservative, but keep the trust of those who were not, is testimony to a very special character.
We have lost a very special friend, but what he inspired will not be lost.”
The Enterprise Forum is pleased to announce that Royston Smith has joined the Board of Directors at The Enterprise Forum
Roston Smith said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Enterprise Forum as a director. In my former role, as a Member of Parliament, I attended many of the forum’s events over the years. The events provide an independent setting for politicians to be informed, first-hand, of the issues affecting businesses across the length and breadth of the UK. I am looking forward to working with the Chairman and directors as the country navigates the significant challenges facing both business and Government in the coming years.”
Andrew Cumpsty, Chairman of The Enterprise Forum said: “I am delighted to welcome Royston to The Enterprise Forum Board of Directors. Royston brings with him a decade of experience as a Member of Parliament and a wealth of knowledge from previously running his own business. I look forward to working with Royston and other directors in developing a programme of events that will bring to the forefront the wide range of challenges that UK businesses are currently tackling.”
Royston Smith’s biography can be found here.
The Enterprise Forum is run by an unpaid board of senior directors from business and industry with a membership that includes commercial organisations (FTSE 100 companies to SMEs), trade associations and charities. The organisation does not take a position on policy and does not donate to or receive donations from any Political Party.
For more information on The Enterprise Forum please contact Mark Beckett on 020 4534 7576 or email markbeckett@enterprise-forum.co.uk.
The Enterprise Forum is pleased to confirm that Lisa Hayley-Jones has joined the Enterprise Forum Board of Directors.
Lisa has a career background working in financial services including as Director of Political Relations at KPMG and private equity. She was also Head of Parliamentary Affairs at the CBI and Chair of Westminster Forum. Currently Lisa is involved in the restoration programme for the Palace of Westminster.
Andrew Cumpsty, Chairman of the Enterprise Forum said: “Lisa joins the Enterprise Forum after around 20 years supporting the organisation as a member. On behalf of all the Directors, we are delighted she will be bringing her knowledge of the financial services sector as well as vast public affairs experience to The Enterprise Forum Board.”
Lisa Hayley-Jones biography can be found here.
The Enterprise Forum is an independent, not-for-profit organisation founded in 1997 to facilitate discussions on policy between the business community, the Government, politicians, and other stakeholders in the EU, National, Devolved and Local Government. The Enterprise Forum is run by an unpaid board of senior directors from business and industry with a membership that includes commercial organisations (FTSE 100 companies to SMEs), trade associations and charities. The organisation does not take a position on policy, and does not donate to or received donations from any Political Party.
For more information about The Enterprise Forum please contact Mark Beckett on 020 3627 3866 or email markbeckett@enterprise-forum.co.uk.
The Enterprise Forum is delighted to confirm the appointment of three Vice-Chairmen, Jill Andrew, Ian Twinn CBE and Lionel Zetter.
Andrew Cumpsty, Chairman of The Enterprise Forum said: “I am pleased to be able to announce that Jill, Ian and Lionel have agreed to be our new Vice-Chairmen. All have been directors of The Enterprise Forum for many years and now will deputise on Enterprise Forum events going forward. They all bring a wealth of experience covering Politics, Law, and Business.”
Jill is one of the original directors of the Enterprise Forum. A solicitor specialising in employment law by profession, Jill also has experience in representing business as a former director of the London Chamber of Commerce and of Business Link London South, where she chaired the Remuneration Committee. From 1994-98 she was a Councillor for the London Borough of Bromley, during which time she lead on economic development. In her final year she was Deputy Leader of the Council. She stood in Walthamstow in the 1997 election and has held a number of senior positions on the voluntary side of the Conservative Party.
During his professional career Lionel was an associate director of the Media Information Group, and company secretary of Political Research and Communications International. He went on to become managing director of Parliamentary Monitoring Services Ltd, Political Wizard Ltd, and Zetter’s Political Services Ltd, as well as non-executive deputy chairman of Dod’s Parliamentary Communications Ltd. He has been Chairman of the Government Affairs Group, President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and Chairman of the PRCA Public Affairs Board. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations, and of the Public Relations Communications Association. Lionel is a former chairman of Enfield Southgate Conservative Association, and fought Edmonton for the Conservatives in the 2005 general election. He was elected to Enfield Council in 2010. As well as being a Director of the Enterprise Forum, he is also Vice President of PublicAffairsAsia, He has written, spoken and taught widely on politics and public affairs, and is author of a books on political campaigning, political lobbying and the Conservative Party. He was awarded Public Affairs News Personality of the Year in 2008, Public Affairs News 'Outstanding Contribution' in 2012, CIPR Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and PRCS Outstanding Contribution award in 2019.
Ian Twinn is a former UK Conservative Member of Parliament for Edmonton in north London (1983-1997) and a former Conservative Member of the European Parliament for London (2003-4). He was an alternate member of European Economic and Social Committee 2013-14. Ian was also the London Regional Chairman of the Conservative Party. From 1975 to 1983 Ian was a Senior Lecturer in Town Planning at the then South Bank Polytechnic. He has a PhD from Reading University on pressure groups and road planning and a degree in Geography from the University of Aberystwyth. Ian was the Director of Public Affairs at ISBA – The Voice of British Advertisers from 1998 to 2017. He was responsible for UK and European Union affairs, internal and external communications and is still a media spokesman. Ian was also Chairman of UK ICC Marketing and Advertising Commission
The Enterprise Forum is pleased to announce Hicham Felter has joined the Board of Directors at The Enterprise Forum.
Hicham Felter said: “I was delighted when I was approached by The Enterprise Forum. The Enterprise Forum plays a vital role in connecting businesses and the political world from across the political divide. It is such an important role. I look forward to working with my fellow directors including Andrew and Mark, and building a great programme of events based on The Forum’s strong track record.”
Andrew Cumpsty said: “On behalf of all the Directors, I am delighted to welcome Hicham Felter to The Enterprise Forum Board. Hicham will be bringing his wide range of experience in politics, international affairs and business to the Enterprise Forum which will contribute greatly to building a programme of events that will help engage and inform our members.”
Hicham Felter’s biography can be found here.
The Enterprise Forum is run by an unpaid board of senior directors from business and industry with a membership that includes commercial organisations (FTSE 100 companies to SMEs), trade associations and charities. The organisation does not take a position on policy and does not donate to or receive donations from any Political Party.
For more information on The Enterprise Forum please contact Mark Beckett on 020 3627 3866 or email markbeckett@enterprise-forum.co.uk.
It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Peter Davis OBE, on Sunday 11 September 2022. Peter Davis OBE was Deputy Chairman of The Enterprise Forum from its foundation in 1997 until September 2022.
Peter was the most decent man in business and public affairs, a real gentleman who was incomparable to any of his peers. The loss of his kindness, sense of humour, enthusiasm and passion for the work of The Enterprise Forum is deeply felt by all of the Directors and members of The Enterprise Forum. We would like to extend our condolences to Anne, Sarah, Thomas and the rest of his family at this time.
Peter Davis OBE - Obituary
Peter was Deputy Chairman of the Enterprise Forum from its foundation in 1997 until September 2022.
He was Director General of the British Plastics Federation from 1997 to 2014 and before that he was Chief Executive of Incpen (The Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment) from 1993 – 1997. He was also Principal of Davis Duus Consulting.
He had previously held the following positions: Director of Marketing; Membership and International Affairs at the Royal Institute of British Architects; Head of Home Affairs in the Conservative Research Department; Special Adviser to Environment Secretary Kenneth Baker MP. He also held management positions in the following companies: 3M Medical Products, Dylon International and has also worked for INCO and Metal Box.
Peter was a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Horners, the plastics industry's Livery company in London. In 2006 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and in 2009 became the Chairman of the Alliance of Industries Association and in 2010 was appointed a Vice Chairman of the Construction Products Association.
Peter was half Danish and was a Goodwill Ambassador for the City of Copenhagen from 1997-2007. He took an active interest in anti-littering campaigns and was a Director and Trustee of the Tidy Britain Group from 1996-2006.
