St Helens business leader Mike Denning has been appointed as chair of the Town Centre East and Fingerpost Neighbourhood Board. He will lead the board that oversees £20 million in government investment over the next ten years through the Pride in Place programme.
Background and Experience
Mike Denning, born and raised in St Helens, is founder and director of Stapleton Derby Group, a company specialising in property sales, lettings, and development. The firm employs over 15 staff across three offices in St Helens borough, including one within the Town Centre East and Fingerpost boundary.
With a career spanning over 30 years across legal services, commercial enterprise, and property development, Denning brings extensive experience as chair, trustee, and committee lead. He has overseen regulated organisations, delivered large-scale funded programmes, and represented organisations with government bodies, national governing bodies, funders, commercial partners, and community stakeholders.
Community Involvement
Alongside his professional career, Denning has been deeply involved with community initiatives for over 25 years. He served as chair and trustee of Thatto Heath Crusaders ARLFC, one of the UK's largest and most successful community Rugby League clubs. He was chairman of the Steve Prescott Foundation for 10 years and trustee of St Helens Autism Support, as well as an honorary member of the All Parliamentary Rugby League Group.
Quotes on Appointment
Mike Denning said: "I am passionate about change in St Helens Borough. This is a great opportunity for those who live and operate in the Town Centre East and Fingerpost areas to have a say on how funding is spent and to frame their future. Engagement is crucial and together with the board I will work to get the funding to the people and projects that will have the most impact."
Cllr Jack Benyon, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Property and Planning at St Helens Borough Council, said: "We are delighted to have someone with Mike's experience taking up the role of Chair of the Town Centre East and Fingerpost Neighbourhood Board. Mike's proven track record in both business and community initiatives is exactly what is needed to drive forward transformation in the area and I look forward to seeing Mike and colleagues help to deliver real, meaningful change for the people of Town Centre East and Fingerpost."
Marie Rimmer MP for St Helens South and Whiston said: "I am delighted to welcome Mike as Chair of the Board. His passion for our community and wealth of experience make him a brilliant choice to lead this important programme. I look forward to working closely with him, the board, and the community to ensure this investment delivers the improvements that local people want to see."
Next Steps
Denning will work with St Helens Borough Council and Marie Rimmer MP to appoint the wider Neighbourhood Board following an open recruitment process. The board will be appointed over the coming weeks before submission to the Government's Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government for ratification later this month.
Following formal appointments, the Neighbourhood Board will undertake extensive community consultation to develop a 10-year Pride in Place Plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.
