New appointment

The business secretary has appointed textile industry expert and entrepreneur Vikas Shah MBE, along with Stephen Hill OBE, as non-executive members of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) board, following an open competition for the roles.

Shah is well-known in our industry as managing director of Swiscot Group, the Manchester based textiles firm.

Swiscot Group includes Linen Connect who supply to commercial laundries, healthcare and hospitality businesses across the UK.  Linen Connect are the headline sponsor of the Laundry & Drycleaning Awards – the LADAs – the key annual industry event that Shah has actively supported for many years.

Shah and Hill will help to steer the department’s board as BEIS tackles key issues facing the UK, including the economic recovery from coronavirus, efforts to combat climate change and promote science, research and innovation, while ensuring the UK is a great place to work and to grow a business.

Both appointees bring a wealth of experience to their roles. Vikas Shah was awarded an MBE for Services to Business and the Economy in 2018 and president of the North West region chapter of TiE – the world’s largest entrepreneurs network.

Stephen Hill was awarded in OBE in 2017 for his work in philanthropy, particularly for those with hearing impairments, is currently the Chairman of the Alzheimer’s Society, and non-executive director of investment holding company Applerigg Ltd.

Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Both Vikas and Stephen will be fantastic assets to the department, bringing enormous experience and expertise to support our work as we help businesses across the UK recover and build back better from the pandemic. I look forward to working with both of them, and the rest of our board, to deliver on the people’s priorities.

Vikas Shah MBE said: “I am delighted to accept this important role to help BEIS deliver on its key priorities, including supporting businesses as we build back from the pandemic, and unleashing a new generation of entrepreneurs across the UK.”

Stephen Hill said: “I am honoured to have been offered the position as a non-executive member of the board and I am very much looking forward to supporting the Department to level up every region of the UK, support businesses and build a green economy.”