Neil Robertson is currently Chair of the Institute and his day job is Head of Partnership & Fund Services at the Cornwall Development Company

Heading a team of 14 people, Neil deals with activities that include handling delegated funds (including European Social Fund, European Regional Development Fund and the Rural Development Programme for England), establishing processes, procedures and systems, supporting partnership development and carrying out evaluations. 

Neil has substantial previous experience achieved in a variety of economic development activities, including inward investment promotion, business support and research and information.

As well as being a Member of the IED, Neil is also a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and his special skills include:

• A thorough knowledge of the local and regional economy.
• An understanding of funding programmes and processes.
• Ability to develop Partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Considerable experience of preparing analytical reports from a variety of data sources.

Neil has worked in Cornwall in a variety of roles related to economic development for over 30 years and his recent work includes leading on constitutional and membership issues to establish three Local Action Groups in Cornwall and managing sub-contractors to deliver support to help bring those currently workless in Cornwall back towards and into employment. In addition to chairing the IED, Neil is also a Board member of the IED’s Education Trust.