NWBLT welcomes new representatives
We are delighted to announce Tim Griggs of Arup, Professor John Holden from the University of Manchester and Professor Richard Black from the University of Liverpool have joined the organisation as representatives.
Tim is an Arup Director in Manchester leading their Digital Services business, and is UKIMEA lead for digital aviation. Tim’s focus is on complex digital programme delivery on major infrastructure projects, including aviation, water and nuclear. He is an Honorary Industry Fellow and Board Member of Salford Business School, and Board member of both North West Tech Talent and Boycott Your Bed (Manchester).
Professor Richard Black is Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool where he provides leadership for strategic planning, the annual resourcing and budgeting
process. Richard joined the University in September 2023 having formerly been Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences at the University of Birmingham where he led on Engagement and Impact, including the University’s civic agenda. Richard is an academic geographer and Professor of International Development, a Trustee of the Academy of Social Sciences and a Marshall Aid Commissioner.
Professor John Holden was appointed Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation at 
The University of Manchester in October 2025. Since joining the University in 2020 he has led the delivery of major strategic initiatives including the establishment of the UK’s Productivity Institute, the relocation of UK Biobank, the creation of the Turing Innovation Catalyst and acted as the University’s lead in establishing Sister. In 2024 he co-led the Regional Innovation Review and since then has played a pivotal role in establishing Unit M – the University’s innovation unit – and has been instrumental in developing the groundbreaking Cambridge x Manchester Innovation Partnership. Prior to this, John spent 15 years shaping Greater Manchester’s devolution and economic strategy, advising regional leaders and UK, OECD and EU institutions.
Welcoming the appointments, NWBLT chair Chris Woodroofe said:
‘We are delighted to welcome Tim Griggs, Professor John Holden and Professor Richard Black as representatives to the NWBLT. Each brings outstanding expertise spanning major infrastructure delivery, digital innovation, skills and talent, and the civic and economic role of our universities. Their collective experience will significantly strengthen our ability to bring business, academia and the public sector together to drive productivity, inclusive growth and long-term prosperity across the North West’.