Meet the board

The partnership is driven by some of the finest urban planners, architects and business minds in the country.

The following people look after the day to day running of Bournemouth Development Company. All are part of the Bournemouth community and have a longstanding commitment to the town.

Wes Erlam (Managing Director): Wes is a chartered surveyor with over 20 years experience in real estate development, planning and funding. He joined Morgan Sindall in 2008, working with Muse Developments for 10 years before moving across to Morgan Sindall Investments as a Director in April 2018. He subsequently became Managing Director in February 2019. He leads on all public/private partnership development activities, delivering complex multi-phased and mixed tenure projects. Wes is also in charge of supervising the delivery of MSI’s development and capital activities, which includes schemes in Slough, Hertfordshire, Brentwood and Hub West Scotland, in addition to his role on the Bournemouth Development Company Board.

Bill Cotton (Board Chairman): Regeneration specialist Bill Cotton is also Executive Director for Environment and Economy at Bournemouth Borough Council. His work history includes a successful spell as a town planner and he was head of tourism and economic development in Bath.
He recently helped the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership develop its business plan and his experience of major regeneration spans London, Leeds, Wandsworth, Swindon and Bath and includes significant public realm improvements and work with the private sector to create world class facilities.

Richard Dixon: has worked in the PPP/PFI sector since the late 1990s and has provided specialist legal, transaction management and commercial risk advice both as a lawyer in private practice, as a senior corporate commercial manager and Board Director. He is highly experienced in working with partner organisations, including public sector bodies, funders, sub-contractors and other professionals.
In his current capacity, Richard sits on the Board of Morgan Sindall Investments Limited which is a leading partnering investment and project development company, focusing on the delivery of public sector regeneration through the establishment of strategic partnerships with central Government, local authorities and other public sector agencies.

Councillor Michael Brooke: Mike was first elected to Poole Borough Council in 2003. Since then, he has gained a vast amount of experience sitting on a number of council committees, including children’s services, economy and environment and business and improvement. His background in urban geography has complimented his involvement with various local planning issues.

 

Duncan Johnston: Duncan has considerable experience in leading and championing the delivery of complex rejuvenation schemes underpinned by integrated project teams and supply chain partners. He applies his strategic policy development and day-to-day operational skills to ensure Bournemouth benefits from the partnership’s long-term commitment and success.