A successful entrepreneur who counts Peter Gabriel among his business partners is leading a new Cheshire business board.

Steve Purdham, who co-founded the music streaming service WE7 with the rock legend, has been named chairman of the new Business Advisory Board.

The board, made up of 21 experienced business representatives from across the county, aims to help Cheshire and Warrington 'become the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in the UK'.

Mr Purdham, who was part of the team behind the Congleton-based cybersecurity firm SurfControl Plc, said: "The vision for Cheshire is one of growth.

"If you're looking forward five, 10, 15, 20 years you have to consider how you're going to achieve that growth, and it will only be achieved by the public sector and the private sector working in tandem.

"The Business Advisory Board effectively is the conduit to get knowledge from one sector to another.

"You must focus on the art of the possible and must have partnerships with local government, national government and industry.

"In all sectors."

The board, which includes representatives from the pharmaceutical and tourism industries, as well as a college principal and a former board member at one of Britain’s biggest accountancy firms, will report to the leaders of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council, and Warrington Borough Council.

Councillor Louise Gittins, chair of Cheshire and Warrington’s sub-regional leaders board, said: "The Business Advisory Board will ensure businesses are at the heart of this, helping the region grow and continue to be a fantastic place to live, work and set up business."