A FORMER borough council officer has landed an important national post.

Mark Pembleton, who is the county council’s economic policy advisor, has been elected National Chair of the Chief Economic Development Officers Society (CEDOS).

He takes over the two-year post after being vice chair for the last four years.

Mr Pembleton has more than 25 years experience in economic development and policy work in the UK and abroad.

As well as holding a previous role in Ellesmere Port and Neston, he also worked for Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council.

He said: “I am really excited to be taking on this national role at a most important time when local councils are very much at the front line of helping businesses and communities to withstand the recession.

“The CEDOS membership is already taking powerful, practical steps to assist firms by speeding up payments, helping with local procurement and making sure businesses get help with business loans and business rates.

“I really believe that change is just around the corner with the new Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill going through Parliament.

“This bill will increase the importance of economic development to councils and provide them with the tools to do the job.”

CEDOS provides a forum for heads of economic development in upper tier local authorities throughout England.

Membership includes county, city and unitary councils in non-metropolitan areas, which together represent more than 47% of the population of England and provide services across over 84% of its land area.

The Society carries out research, develops and disseminates best practice, and publishes reports on key issues for economic development policy and practice.

Through its collective expertise, it seeks to play its full part in helping to inform and shape national and regional policies and initiatives.