Neil Eccles

Neil Eccles is Director of Planning, Economy and Wellbeing at West Lancashire Borough Council. He leads planning and regulatory services, economic development, regeneration, wellbeing and leisure. As a member of the Council’s executive leadership team, he is responsible for shaping place‑based growth, securing investment and delivering strategies that connect economic prosperity with healthier, more resilient communities. In this role, Neil works across the Council’s priorities to drive regeneration, investment and inclusive growth, while responding to the climate challenge and tackling health and wellbeing inequalities through place‑based approaches. Previously at Rochdale Development Agency, Neil built extensive experience in large‑scale economic development and innovation‑led growth. He played a leading role in developing Atom Valley, Greater Manchester’s flagship advanced manufacturing and innovation cluster. He led the Greater Manchester Innovation Accelerator programme for the Ce