The Locus Association has elected a new chair. Michael Nicholson’s election as chairman of the Locus Association was confirmed at the Members’ Meeting held at the offices of Dorsey & Whitney, 21 Wilson Street, London on 6^th February 2007. Mr. Nicholson’s appointment follows the chairmanship of Richard Pawlyn who stepped down as chair after a very successful year.

Mr. Nicholson thanked Mr. Pawlyn for his leadership of Locus in its first year and highlighted that the Association’s successes were in large part down to Mr. Pawlyn’s “determined and vocal” chairmanship.

Speaking after his appointment as Chair Michael Nicholson said: I’m delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Locus Association and look forward to raising the profile of Public Sector Information even further in the coming year.  2007 will be an exciting year for PSI following the recent publication of the Office of Fair Trading report into the Commercial Use of PSI, and Locus looks forward to the Government’s response to the report with great interest”.

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Notes for Editors:

·          Locus was established in autumn 2005 and formally launched on 26^th January 2006. The Association’s President is a former Director General of the Office of Fair Trading and Oftel, Sir Bryan Carsberg.

§         The Association exists to raise awareness of, and promote the development of, a healthy and competitive private sector in relation to Public Sector Information (PSI). Locus acts as a forum for exchange of information, keeps its members up to date with latest policy developments, and provides advice and guidance. Our members recognise the potential of PSI, but also the benefit of uniting to address some of the challenges and pooling resources to meet them.

§         Michael Nicholson is the Managing Director of Intelligent Addressing Ltd, a specialist private sector data management consultancy

·          And enquiries about Locus should be directed to: Harriet Crosthwaite: 020 7930 9788 or harriet@quintuspa.com