Jack Stopforth

Jack Stopforth completed his MA in Local Government at the University of Kent in 1974. His extensive career in regional economic development includes roles such as CEO of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of Cumbria Inward Investment Agency Limited. In 2012, he was awarded an MBE for his services to economic regeneration. 

Currently, he is the Founder Director of Taylor Stopforth Limited and a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria.

Tell us about your career path since graduation. 

After graduating in 1974, I began my career as the Executive Assistant to the Leader of the Council at the Borough of Hounslow. In 1975, I became the Manager at the Merseyside Development Office, Chancery Lane WC2. By 1977, I was the Head of Economic Development at LB Hammersmith, and in 1979, I took on the role of Chief Economic Advisor at Merseyside County Council.

In 1986, I founded the PR and marketing company Jack Stopforth Associates, later known as Stopforth Bright Anderson Limited (SBA). I became the Managing Director of the Cumbria Inward Investment Agency Limited in 1998. My career progressed further when I joined the Board of UCLan in 2000 and became the Chair of the Cumbria Learning and Skills Council in 2001.

In 2005, I was appointed CEO of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and in 2006, I became a Governor at Liverpool John Moores University, where I was later awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2011.

I was honoured with an MBE in 2012, for services to economic regeneration. That same year, I became the Executive Director of The BIG Partnership and Chair of Bay TV Liverpool. In 2014, I founded Taylor Stopforth Limited, a management consultancy.

My leadership roles continued as Chair of the First Ark Social Investment Panel in 2016 and Chairman of the Borderlands Economy Forum and Board Member of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal Partnership Board in 2018. Then in 2021, I was appointed Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria. 

 
What does a typical work day look like for you?

If I have a client project, it is likely to involve a project management meeting or Teams call to update progress. I also mentor several SME owners so further meetings to review business plans. Then, depending on the cycle of meetings, briefings with the project manager for Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal - a £450 million growth strategy for South of Scotland and the North of England.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

Having a career in regional economic development recognised with the award of the MBE by then Prince Charles in 2012. 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Immensely. The MA opened many doors both in public administration and private sector management consulting. I am a generalist but focused in large part on regional economic development, which sprung out of writing my MA thesis on the consequences for local government of membership of the EEC.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Don’t be put off by the stereotype of public administration being worthy but dull. My career is solidly based in public service but has given me international business opportunities, which I have loved. I have also enjoyed top salaries and financial success.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Yes, I played for the University football first XI.  

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Professor Bryan Keith-Lucas persuading me to wear a huge Nigerian tribal headdress for a lecture in comparative governance: “It looks very becoming Mr Stopforth - do keep it on!”

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Only one fellow course member, John Fisher, who had a successful career as a consultant in regional economics.

What are your future ambitions? 

I am officially retired but will keep working as long as clients need my services and are happy to pay for them!