A FORMER high-flying businessman is taking over at the helm of Blackburn Partnership.

Peter Sharman will become chairman at the organisation which promotes private and public sector partnership and is personally backed by Prince Charles.

The former head of Royal Insurance first got involved with the Partnership eighteen month ago when he was appointed to head up the Darwen Employers Forum.

Born in Blackburn and a former president of Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Old Boys, Peter, 54, started working for Royal Insurance in Burnley. He later went on to work for the group across the world before returning to head up Royal Insurance in the UK. Current chairman Philip Felcey , who lives in Samlesbury, is leaving after six years in the post as his wife Dian is retiring.

"Under his chairmanship the Blackburn Partnership has grown immensely and has been a tremendous success in meeting its aims and targets," said chief executive Peter Robinson.

"The organisation has now reached a key watershed and Peter Sharman's first class skills and personal attributes and the fresh perspective he can provide will ensure that we can continue to build on the contribution made by founding chairman Bob Watts and Philip."

The Partnership was set more than over ten years ago to bring together businesses, the voluntary sector, the local council, trade unions, residents and others together under one umbrella.

Since its launch it has helped attract hundreds of millions of pounds in the borough to fund major improvements through initiatives like City Challenge.

And it has played a major role in attracting firms to relocate to the area.

It is also behind initiatives such as the Employers' Forum which are helping improve disadvantaged parts of the borough and the Guardian Angel scheme where experienced business people take a fledgling small businesses under their wing.

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