THE St Helens Economy Board - which formed last year to support the borough’s economic regeneration - has welcomed two new business professionals to its membership.

Hazel James, owner and managing director of Brendon International Ltd joins Dr Marnie Millard OBE, group chief executive at Nichols PLC - the home of Vimto - on the Board.

Hazel joined Brendon International Ltd moving to a purpose-built facility on the Sankey Valley Industrial Estate in late 2000.

She rose through the ranks, and in 208 became the sole owner.

Marnie joined Newton-le-Willows based Nichols PLC in 2012 as managing director of the UK Soft Drinks Division, appointed to her current role in 2013.

Vimto, a soft drink that was established in 1908 by John Joel Nichols, today has a retail brand value of £76 million

She is a non-executive director for Finsbury Foods and is chair for the North West Region of the CBI and also a member of the Management Board for British Soft Drinks Association.

She was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her services to International Trade and Businesses in North West England.

On joining the Board, Hazel said: “I am proud to be part of the St Helens Economy Board. St Helens is a great place for both small and large businesses to succeed.”

Marnie added: “I am very pleased to be joining the St Helens Economy Board representing Nichols PLC.

"It is important as a large local business to be involved and consulted in the discussion and decision-making regarding investment and development in our local region.”

Eamonn McManus, chairman of St Helens Economy Board, said: “The prime objective of the new economic strategy for St Helens is to confidently and clearly expound the assets and advantages which the town currently possesses, and to complement and grow these with the realisation of investment, business, employment and population growth in the decade ahead.

“I sincerely welcome our new board members. Their abundant experience and business acumen will help us to drive this strategy forward, for the benefit of local people, businesses and the economy.”

Find out more about the Economy Board at investinsthelens.com