West Midlands Mayor to speak at AoC Annual Conference

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street MBE will be one of the keynote speakers at the Association of Colleges Annual Conference and Exhibition. Street was elected as the first Metro Mayor of the West Midlands on 4 May 2017. The primary function of the role is to chair the West Midlands Combined Authority and brings with it significant powers over transport, housing, skills and jobs. Before becoming Mayor, he combined a career with John Lewis, Britain’s most successful workers’ co-operative, with a host of high-profile economic development roles, working with local and national government. He will have a morning slot and be discussing his plans for skills, devolution and productivity and the role colleges can play in helping achieve this. In June 2015, Andy was awarded the CBE for services to the national economy. He was named the ‘Most Admired Leader’ of the year by business magazine, Management Today in 2014. He received the ‘President’s award’ from the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in for his work in the region. He holds three honorary degrees, from Birmingham City University, Aston University and the University of Birmingham. Andy Street MBE said: "I am delighted to be speaking at the AoC Annual Conference this year. Bridging the skills gap is one of my key aims as Mayor and colleges have a key role to play in addressing this. I look forward to sharing my vision with you all in Birmingham.” David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “AoC’s Annual Conference and Exhibition is a highlight of the college sector calendar and this year will be no different. The event is another important recognition of the crucial roles which colleges play, for the economy, for communities, families, young people and adults. “Colleges remain at the heart of their local communities and the national economy – that’s why the theme of the conference is colleges mean business.” To book your place or for more information on the Annual Conference please visit: http://www.aocannualconference.co.uk/