2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 44
Lichfield & Tamworth Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber Patrons Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650
New chief at Lichfield Council Lichfield District Council has appointed Simon Fletcher to the role of chief executive. Mr Fletcher was previously deputy chief executive for the government of the Falkland Islands. He was also strategic director for the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and currently works for IT firm Agilisys Ltd, as head of business change practice. During the appointment process, the council’s appointments committee reviewed all the applicants in the original search and invited two candidates who scored highly in the first stage but had withdrawn before progressing to the next stage, to be considered. Having completed the interview process, Mr Fletcher was chosen and will take over as chief executive later this year.
Enlighten celebrates five years in business A Tamworth based hi-tech firm is celebrating five years in business. Augmented reality (AR) company Enlighten says it has had an eventful five years, which has included hosting a South Korean governmental mission, building AR for ex-service men and women suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and offer life-changing mental health support to companies, schools and colleges. AR is an interactive experience of a realworld environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated information and images. The company was founded by Suzanne Edwards, who said: “There’s several moments that will live long in my mind but there’s one that stops me in my tracks every time. “Enlighten has a reputation for building ‘tech for good’ and this includes AR support around mental health. On one occasion I got a call from a college welfare officer who said she had to tell me about a student who had come to her with her mental health issues. The member of staff mentioned there were 24/7 advice services available accessed through the AR work Enlighten had done for the college and the student said: ‘I know, that’s why I’m still alive today’. “It’s such a privilege to think that our work helps on that deeply personal level.” Enlighten was originally based at Pacific House, Tamworth, but has since become the first tenants of the Tamworth Enterprise Centre. The four strong Enlighten team has also recently recruited a 3D modeller, which it says will add many new possibilities to its current offering.
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Mr Fletcher said: "I am honoured to become chief executive and am excited to start working with the leadership team on delivering our corporate priorities. “We will face challenges and opportunities as we continue the recovery from Covid-19, but I know we have a talented team at the council, ambitious and capable elected members and strong and supportive partners and stakeholders, all of whom I will work hard with to shape a great future for the district.” Tony McGovern took over as interim chief executive at the beginning of this month when the current chief executive, Diane Tilley, left the council. He will be in post while Mr Fletcher works his notice at Agilisys Ltd.
Simon Fletcher: Honoured
Expansion leads to office move Legionella and Fire Safe Services (LFS) is moving to a new headquarters in Lichfield as part of its expansion plans. The two storey 1,680 sq ft offices in Britannia Way will allow the growing Legionella and fire compliance company to expand its team. LFS business manager Kym Darby said: “We are really excited about our move to Lichfield as it shows just how much Legionella & Fire Safe has developed since the company began trading in 2017 and meet our needs with our
plans for further expansion. We really are going from strength-to-strength. We have seen a consistent and significant increase in workload and incorporated additional divisions into the business. “In addition, we have secured the resources of some of the industry’s top talent who bring with them a wealth of experience. This ensures our high end service delivery for all our valued clients” "We are looking forward to being part of the thriving business community in Lichfield.”
Hands-on experience for students
Lights, camera, action: Lichfield College students filming with Brave New Beast
Two Lichfield College students have been working with a professional video production company to film live performances by a variety of artistes for a forthcoming fringe festival. James Fox and Martha Leicester, who are in the final weeks of completing their BSc Film & Television Degree at the college, filmed poets, musicians and actors, and the result will be edited and streamed live for the virtual Rugeley Rose Theatre Fringe Festival this summer. First year degree college students will soon be training with the video company, Brave New Beast, to enable them to work directly with the Rugeley Rose Theatre for future video productions. Leanne Knapman, course leader of the BSc Film & TV Degree at Lichfield said: “Our degree students take work-based training with Brave New Beast as part of their course and are encouraged to get involved with professional projects to help kick-start their careers in the film and TV industry.”
