Power 100
They don't have to run a company or be rich - but they do have economic power
It's here again. Our much talked-about annual survey of the region's power-brokers is back. Read on to find out who makes the grade this year - and who has seen their power diminish. Profiles by Jim Pendrill
Power lists are seemingly all the rage these days. It's sometimes as if you can barely walk out of a newsagent without one dropping out of some supplement or other.
But by our reckoning there is simply nothing that measures power on a regional basis in the Midlands like we do with our Power 100.
Cynics might question the value of the survey. Surely it's an irrelevance, they might say, it achieves nothing and panders to a load of egos. Well, we would strongly argue otherwise.
For starters our first ranking of the region's most powerful figures 12 months ago created probably the most interest, feedback and debate of any research survey this magazine ran last year. Sure, there were a few bruised egos who wanted to know why they weren't included. But equally there were many more who said "why don't you include so and so in your list" and who valued the unique exercise of profiling the most influential people in the region.
Their interest in the survey was clear for us to see. Why? Because they valued a survey which actually brought together the most powerful and influential voices in the region, voices which collectively play an immense role in promoting the wider Midlands region and which fight its corner when it needs to (not to mention play a massive role in creating jobs and investment).
The point that these individuals play such a major role in promoting the region is perhaps the most important to consider as you leaf these pages. These are the people to praise if the region performs or blame if it doesn't.
Going back to the suggestions we received for new entries this year, we thank all those who contributed to the debate. In most instances they were worthwhile and overlooked additions. We hope you agree that they have helped make this year's survey even better.
For instance, a year ago we were unsure how big a player Kevin Howe was at Rover - we know now. Likewise we underestimated the voice that John Pratt brought to the region.
We also underplayed the power base in the East Midlands. Martin Briggs, John Nicholls, Peter Gadsby and Alan Swales all more than merit their place here.
Power is of course very transitory and we have tried where we can to reflect that this year. There have been boardroom changes at many of our leadings plcs.
At Boots Richard Baker takes over from Steve Russell. At GKN Kevin Smith replaces Marcus Beresford.
But as we said 12 months ago, this survey isn't about listing the CEOs of the region's biggest companies. Some are exceptional figures who do much for the region, others spend all their time in London and pay lip service to the region.
Likewise we repeat that this ranking isn't about wealth - it isn't just a list of the 100 richest people. As we said last year, many of our richest entrepreneurs hide away and do precious little to promote the region.
And once again we have steered clear of writers, musicians, actors and on-screen talent as we are essentially interested in business figures who drive forward the economy.
But before you read on, a final reminder. Remember this list is arbitrary, it's our opinion. It is also great fun to put together. As such - as all power lists will say - only the foolish would be offended by omission.
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