Southside BID director and local business owner Lawrence Barton has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands.
Lawrence was invited to serve as a deputy lieutenant due to his significant community contribution to the region. As well as serving as a Southside BID director since 2011, Lawrence is managing director of GB training, one of the UK’s largest work-based learning providers, Festival Director for Birmingham Pride, and commissioner on the West Midlands Combined Authority Leadership Commission.
As a deputy lieutenant, he will support John Crabtree OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, in his own time in a variety of ways. These will include: attending on royalty during official visits to the region; promoting nominations for Honours and Queen’s Awards for the county of the West Midlands; encouraging charitable and voluntary work and local initiatives to benefit the community.
“It's a real honour to have the opportunity to serve the West Midlands in this way.” Lawrence Barton
Commenting on his appointment, Lawrence said: “I am proud and absolutely delighted to be appointed as a deputy lieutenant, and very much look forward to giving back to our fantastic region, particularly by highlighting the important role played by voluntary organisations and shining a spotlight on under-represented voices. It's a real honour to have the opportunity to serve the West Midlands in this way.”
Julia Robinson, Southside BID manager, commented: “As well as being committed to supporting and helping our district in so many ways, Lawrence plays a vital role in giving a voice to the businesses and communities within Southside and across the region.
“We’re lucky and very grateful to have him as a Southside BID director, and very proud of his appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands."
