Q&A with Douglas Ure, Business West’s new CEO

As our new CEO, Douglas Ure, heads into his second month at Business West, we caught up to discuss his reflections, leadership approach and what is shaping his thinking in these early weeks.

What have been your initial reflections on Business West?

I’ve been genuinely struck by the high levels of enthusiasm among our colleagues, and their passion for delivering for our business community.

I’ve been impressed by the diversity of our people and their broad skills, whether that’s putting on the best events for hosting the business community, providing expertise to help companies across the region achieve their growth potential, or helping shape the region’s skills landscape to support future ambitions.

I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of the breadth of the work that we do and the support we offer; from innovation and international trade, to skills and regional development initiatives.

Our role in helping businesses thrive remains vital, particularly in what continues to be a tough economic climate. We need to help them navigate uncertainty and ensure their voice is heard.

I’ve also learned more about our regional economic development work in places like Swindon, where we’ve helped champion investment and raise the profile of the area with politicians, partners and investors.

Looking ahead, I’m keen to explore where else we can drive positive change. Understanding our role in helping the region prosper will be an important focus of mine.

What is your connection to the South West?

I have close personal connections to the South West, I have family based in both Devon and Bristol. After a long period overseas, I made a deliberate decision to return to the UK and relocate to this region to be closer to family and to live in a place that genuinely feels like home. The South West is where I call home and I am committed to contributing to its continued success.
 

Having spent 12 years abroad, what are your reflections on returning to the UK?
 

British business is resilient. Despite the economic pressures, rising costs, political and trading uncertainty, the business community continues to find creative ways of working.

Our Quarterly Economic Survey shows that although businesses are grappling with cost pressures and recruitment challenges, many remain confident in their ability to drive growth and invest in talent.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve met a diverse range of businesses, from an individual taking the first leap into launching a green energy venture, to a high-tech company making significant investments both regionally and overseas.

Through networking events across Bath, Bristol, Swindon, and Somerset, I’ve heard ambitious growth plans alongside the shared challenges facing the business community.

If we are to drive economic growth and deliver the jobs, public services and infrastructure our region needs, advocating for these businesses and making the case for investment is critical. Business West has a clear and important role to play.

What’s your vision for Business West?

It’s too early for me to set a defined vision for Business West. My immediate priority is to continue to listen to colleagues, members, partners, and the wider business community, so I can build a strong understanding of our opportunities and challenges.

Business West has a rich history, and the core ingredients for continued success are already in place. My focus is to listen, learn and collaborate before shaping our future strategy and vision.

What have you been listening out for; from members, partners, and staff?

I’m keen to understand the business structure and getting to know our teams across the organisation. I’m listening out for the following:

• What are we good at that we should build on?
• What are we good at that could extend into new areas?
• What could we improve?
• What are the roadblocks? What can we fix?
• Are there things that we should perhaps stop doing?

We must operate within our financial constraints, but that shouldn’t limit our ambition. I’m also asking: What do we want to be? What is our long-term vision? I want Business West to have a loud voice for the business community, but more importantly, a leading voice that can influence change and make a positive economic impact.

Why did you choose this role?

We chose each other, and I feel incredibly privileged that Business West has chosen me as its CEO.  

I returned from Asia, where I had spent the last 12 years and was keen to use my commercial skills and experience in a slightly different context. I considered several options, including establishing my own business.

Whilst I was networking in the business community, I became aware of this role and it seemed a logical fit for me. It aligned with my passion for business, making a difference in the community and working for an organisation that is committed to long-term regional prosperity. Working for an organisation that had a meaningful purpose and was driving forward positive change was really important for me.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as democratic, in the sense that I aim to bring the executive team and wider colleague base collectively behind a strategy and vision for the future. In my previous leadership roles, I have found it critical to have this alignment, consistency of message across the leadership group and wider involvement from colleagues.

What commitment do you have to responsible business?

Responsible business is not simply about doing the right thing, it’s recognising that doing the right thing is a non-negotiable obligation and critical to delivering sustainable performance. Standing up and calling out practices that don’t align with my principles is important to me, even if it places you in a difficult and exposed situation.

Business West has already led by example with B Corp certification. Our organisation’s work to support businesses, infrastructure and skills development is central to the region’s future, and it aligns deeply with my passion for purposeful, responsible and sustainable growth.