2009 Award Finalists

 FINALIST: Public Sector

Phil Burkhard, Programme Manager, Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme
   phil burkhard
The Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme was established in 2006 to help create a more vibrant business landscape in one of Wales’ poorest regions, by reinvigorating the economy through innovation.

Phil has found a new way to bring the concept of innovation to life in the Heads of the Valleys, inspiring organisations to generate and action their creative ideas to benefit themselves and the wider community.

The Heads of the Valleys region is one of Wales’ most deprived areas but this is being turned around thanks to a range of key initiatives, including HOVIP, as part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategic Regeneration Programme.

Phil’s vision is to inspire businesses (including social enterprises) to be more innovative in order to survive and thrive, raise the business profile of the Heads of the Valleys and revitalize the wider community.

Initiating change is not an easy task but Phil has succeeded in convincing stakeholders in the region, including central and local government, education providers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations to join him in ensuring HOVIP is a success.

To date, the programme has helped over 70 businesses achieve in excess of £130,000 in financial benefits alone. More than that, HOVIP has lifted the spirit of the area and promoted greater self-belief.

Phil’s open leadership style brings out the best qualities in each member of the team, motivating them to achieve outstanding performance. He frequently meets partners to focus support, review progress and learn from experience.

He believes that leadership is about creating a vision and then inspiring and working with partners to turn this into a reality, but most of all Phil believes that this is underpinned by establishing trust, integrity and credibility.

Phil has focused HOVIP on delivering value for its share of the £1 billion, 15 year investment in the Heads of the Valleys’ regeneration. Most of all, Phil has made HOVIP an ongoing success by achieving great results through great people.