Kayleigh Daniels – Being the Co-Chair of the Panel of Brilliant People
Kayleigh Daniels
Kayleigh Daniels is the Co-Chair of the Panel of Brilliant People
The genesis and growth of my town, Cleator Moor in Cumbria, was driven by rich assets below ground. Iron and coal extraction helped us play a significant role in the nation’s economic and industrial boom and facilitated vital connections that improved the quality of life of all residents.
The decline of these industries was mirrored in all aspects of life; the infrastructure eroded, all train stations and lines closed, and the health of residents became, and is still, amongst the worst in the country. Despite these circumstances, the community has remained passionate and committed to their Town, so when I was offered the position of Town Board Chair, I jumped at the chance to add value to help make a difference.
It was during this process that I began to see how the issues faced in my Town were part of much bigger and fundamental challenges. The mechanisms for growth that had worked in the past were no longer viable. More sustainable solutions that aligned to greener growth needed to be considered.
The Panel of Brilliant People has been the perfect vehicle to explore and discuss these global issues through the lens of what these issues mean for our local Towns and communities. When Kate Willard OBE asked if I would like to co-chair the Panel, I felt both excited and daunted.
Prior to the Towns Fund, I’ve worked in roles across the engineering and construction sectors. For the past seven years, I’ve been working as part of the team running REACT Engineering Limited, an SME with a strong entrepreneurial culture. In my day job I often facilitate large groups of technical experts and project teams to help solve complex problems and deliver projects, predominantly related to cleaning up our nuclear legacy. Although there are similarities, I must admit I was not fully prepared for how different it would be working in a new sector.
What struck me about the Panel of Brilliant People is just how much passion and energy they came armed with. The group has transformed over the past months from a collection of Brilliant People from diverse backgrounds with individual ideas and perspectives into a group with a set of clear objectives, sharing a clarity of conviction for what they believe good, green growth should look like.
I have learned so much during this experience, from differing economic models to local government processes. Listening and watching Kate chair the Panel reminded me to be courageous and unimpeded when considering the art of the possible. Collectively we are facing huge challenges which will impact on all aspects of our lives.
We need to consider some fresh approaches. Although this Panel presents a great opportunity for the individuals taking part, the opportunity for government and key decisionmakers to listen to young, diverse voices from all corners of the country is more important. I look forward to the Panel presenting their ideas to government on 17 November and making their voices heard.
Given the quality present on the Panel, harnessing their ideas and energy will prove invaluable in the coming years.