News / Women in Business
Leading businesswomen appointed to South West Business Council’s board
Two of the region’s leading business figures are joining South West Business Council’s (SWBC) statutory board.
Catherine Mathews and Paula Hewitt are bringing nearly 60 years of combined experience in the infrastructure and legal sectors to the board.
Paula Hewitt (featured as the article’s main photo) works for Somerset County Council as deputy chief executive, lead director for economic and community infrastructure and director of commissioning.
While Catherine Mathews is a partner and board member at employee-owned law firm, Stephens Scown LLP, which recently became the first law firm in the South West to reach certified B- Corp status.
Catherine Mathews (pictured) is joining South West Business Council’s board – photo: Theo Moye
Paula, who has expertise in economic development, highways and transport, waste, planning, property and environment projects, said she is “delighted” to be joining the board.
She added: “For many years I have been impressed by the work SWBC does in supporting businesses across the South West.
“Having lived and worked in Somerset for over 30 years, I know the South West is filled with fantastic people and places, but that it also faces challenges in terms of connectivity and resilience. I am committed to helping outstanding regional businesses grow.”
In our latest news round up we have updates from our members @UniofExeter, @swigfinance, CoreBlue, @ThoughtQuarter & @ExeterSciencePk, celebrating growth, engaging in new partnerships & expanding their services in the South West.
See more member news: https://t.co/NaQHtAPmvf pic.twitter.com/YcKZEpXVS1— South West Business Council (@swbctweets) March 17, 2023
Catherine, who has over 20 years’ experience as a lawyer, specialising in commercial litigation and in 2022 led a dispute resolution team which was ranked Band 1 in the West Country in the Legal 500 directory, said:
“SWBC plays a significant part in unlocking opportunities and driving business success in the South West.
“I am thrilled to be at the forefront of development in the region by acting on the Board, where I plan to guide members with strategic and legal support to enable flourishing business activity and continued growth.”
SWBC, which was formed in 2001, exists to to convene, inform and connect businesses across the South West and shines a spotlight on regional capabilities that are ahead of the field both nationally and around the world.
All photos: South West Business Council
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