A LEADING Worcestershire businesswoman was chosen to chair a debate about recruiting and retaining talent in the Midlands creative industry.

Michelle Wright, company director and joint owner of Bromsgrove marketing agency Gough Bailey Wright, led the event Creative Birmingham, held at Birmingham City University. It was part of a series being conducted by Creative England, Birmingham Creative City and the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, of which GBW is one of only a handful in the Midlands.

Mrs Wright was joined by industry leading figures to discuss various approaches to business success via recruitment and training and getting the most from the variety of age ranges and cultures that make up the regional talent pool.

The mother of two has spent her career in marketing and creative communications, completing a management buyout of GBW with her business partner Sue Bailey in 2005, doubling the size of the business and winning a raft of industry awards in the following decade.

She said: "It was a fantastic discussion and an honour to lead this region-wide debate. As employers, it is vitally important to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of society and that we keep our teams engaged; developing our staff with learning experiences and training, and living out our brand values.”

Sue Bailey, managing director at GBW, added: “I’m extremely fortunate to have such a fantastic business partner and friend in Michelle. She does Bromsgrove proud every day and her passion for developing our talented team made her the perfect candidate to chair the event.”