A local business executive turned radio presenter who has become one of the best-known voices in East Lancashire has been appointed manager of The Bee, which goes on air in the Blackburn and Darwen area this summer.
Thirty-year-old Simon Brierley has been breakfast show presenter on Burnley-based 2BR for the past year, combining the role with that of brand manager.
Since leaving Manchester University with a physics honours degree in l995, Simon has worked in industry management in Lancashire and neighbouring counties. He spent two years as a production line manager with IHDG in Darwen, where he was responsible for all activities within the gravure print and emboss departments.
Married with three children, Simon lives in Briercliffe, where he is chairman of the gala committee.
Welcoming the appointment, The Bee board chairman Tony Egan said: ?Simon has precisely the blend of expertise we are looking for. He has rapidly proved himself a first-rate broadcaster, has tremendous enthusiasm for radio and involving the community in its services, and has outstanding managerial credentials and knowledge of high-tech office applications.?
After a campaign spanning eight years, The Bee, which is the station name of the Blackburn Broadcasting Company, was awarded the Blackburn and Darwen licence by Ofcom last December.
It has a board which includes well-known and respected local figures and a strong shareholding within the area.