Matt created and led Altrincham forward, an innovative public, private and community partnership to transform this ‘Ghost Town of England’ reducing the 30% vacancy rate by 73% in seven years and seeing the town become English High Street of the Year 2018. He has just completed 4 years as the Executive Director of the Governments High Streets Task Force, providing support to 150 towns and cities across the country, including Sunderland.

Matt has held a number of public roles in the North West, including Leader of Trafford Council, Chair of Transport for Greater Manchester, Vice Chair of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as well as being on the regions LEP and Chair of NHS Trafford.

Matt also runs his own place making consultancy, IntoPlaces, which recently supported work to transform Newcastle’s Grainger Market.

Matt lives in Altrincham with his wife and children and is a Fellow at the Institute of Place Management.