AN EX-STUDENT at a Weymouth school has been named the chair of a regional council for a luxury yacht manufacturer.

Adrian Bratt, an ex-Budmouth Academy student, will be the chair of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) South West Regional Council for Princess Yachts for the next two years.

After leaving school, Mr Bratt studied at Cardiff University, graduating with a degree in biochemistry. He then obtained a post-graduate diploma in law and legal practice before he became a warfare officer in the Royal Navy.

A governance specialist and commercial lawyer by trade, he joined Princess Yachts in 2017 after operating a national private practice specialising in the manufacturing, retail and energy sectors on behalf of national and multinational firms.

He is now excited to take on a new challenge as chair of the council.

Mr Bratt said: "The South West is a region of talent, ingenuity and enterprise which can wield great influence when it speaks with one voice. I look forward to helping to amplify that voice to support a post-Covid recovery and evolve the levelling-up agenda.

"Throughout the Covid crisis, the CBI has led the way in terms of working with business, government and trade unions to support companies. We must continue to act as an agent of positive change as the focus shifts beyond the pandemic towards future investment in skills and sustainability to help the South West lead the way in the race to net zero."

Princess Yachts, a British luxury motor yacht manufacturer based in Plymouth, was founded in 1964 and employs roughly 3,000 people. Bosses are thrilled to welcome Mr Bratt aboard to help the South West region recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ben Rhodes, acting director of CBI South West, said: "We are now delighted to have the opportunity to work with Adrian as South West Chair during what will be a vitally important period for the region.

"As we emerge from the devastating impacts of the pandemic and look to focus on recovery, Adrian's knowledge of business, investors and international markets will be an invaluable asset to the CBI and businesses across the South West."