IAN Wright, former Labour MP for Hartlepool, has been appointed chief executive of NEPIC, the North East Process Industry Cluster.

A prominent MP for 13 years, he was most recently chairman of the business, energy & industrial strategy select committee. He succeeds Dr Stan Higgins who is retiring.

NEPIC represents the region's chemistry using industries. More than 1,400 companies, employing 190,000 people, are involved. Their annual sales total £26 billion with £12 billion of exports. It is the North East’s largest industrial sector and vital to its economy.

Mr Wright, 45, is a former minister for housing and planning and minister for schools and apprenticeships. He served as shadow minister for industry between 2011 and 2015.

Prior to becoming MP for Hartlepool, he worked at One NorthEast, the regional development agency, and began his career as a chartered accountant with Deloitte.

Working with NEPIC chairman Ian Swales and the board of directors, he will focus on representing member firms, championing the region’s process industries and identifying growth opportunities.

Mr Swales, said: "I am delighted that Iain has agreed to join NEPIC. He is well known for his passion for industry and passion for the North East region and I’m sure he will do an outstanding job.

"Iain’s decision to join NEPIC shows the huge importance of the process industries in the region and I look forward to the sector getting even stronger in the future."

Mr Wright will work alongside Dr Higgins during the summer to ensure a smooth handover and said he was "proud and honoured" with his appointment.

He said: "Under Stan’s excellent leadership, NEPIC is a powerful organisation, representing firms in the North East’s biggest industrial sector and working with them to create jobs and prosperity for our region.

"Future economic success for the North East will be based upon science, innovation, skills and a nimble and competitive manufacturing base. With great co-ordination and collaboration across industry, we can unlock still further the enormous potential of this sector in our region, ensuring that the North East of England can be seen across the world as the place to invest in chemicals, science and pharmaceuticals, and for firms in the region to export their excellent goods and services around the globe."

Dr Higgins said: "It’s reassuring that such an outstanding candidate has taken over this important leadership role. I believe Iain’s national business and industry experience will help NEPIC’s members and the sector into the future."