Founder: Romanah Buchanan / Enterprise: Eloquent Dance Company / Discipline: Dance/ Location: Birmingham

More about their enterprise:

Eloquent Dance is an award-winning arts organisation based in Birmingham that empowers young people, particularly those from African Caribbean and dual-heritage backgrounds, through dance, music and cross-artform projects. Its work provides accessible pathways from participation to professional careers, using cultural heritage as a powerful source of inspiration and creative strength.

Founded by Romanah Buchanan, Eloquent Dance was created to bring together high-quality dance training with personal development, career pathways in the creative industries and meaningful community impact. At the heart of its vision lies the belief that the arts have the power to transform lives, equipping young people with the confidence, resilience, and sense of identity they need to thrive.

Through its programmes and performances, the organisation creates spaces where individuals can develop both artistic and life skills, enabling them to pursue their ambitions while contributing positively to their communities. By nurturing talent and celebrating cultural heritage, Eloquent Dance is not only shaping the next generation of artists but also helping young people discover purpose and opportunity in life and career.

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DANNY LANGSMAN

CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Danny joined the Board of Trustees of MeWe Foundation in 2026 and was appointed Chair. He is one half of Doolally and Shanks & Bigfoot, the production duo behind Sweet Like Chocolate, the first UK garage record to top the UK Singles Chart. A self-taught songwriter, producer and creative entrepreneur who has built and managed his career through his own company for more than three decades.

Danny’s connection to the communities MeWe serves grew directly from his career. He was Chair of Tribal Tree, a Black led music education charity, and was among the founders of MeWe360, contributing to its original concept, brand identity and culture. He stepped back from involvement in 2013 and returned as Chair in 2026, bringing long-term commitment to the mission alongside independent perspective.

He has broad experience in the creative industries including music production, graphic design, illustration and mentoring emerging talent. He is a long-standing advocate for opening access to opportunity for founders and entrepreneurs in the creative economy.

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EDWIN ELDER

TRUSTEE

Strategy delivery, governance implementation and organisational change specialist

Edwin Elder brings significant experience in programme delivery, organisational change and governance implementation, strengthening the Board’s capacity to ensure MeWe completes its current commitments in a structured, well-managed and accountable way. His background leading transformation programmes within regulated financial services environments provides assurance that MeWe’s governance improvements and operational decisions are practical, deliverable and aligned with funder expectations.

Edwin’s experience overseeing complex change initiatives supports the Board in translating governance commitments into clear implementation plans, measurable milestones and accountable delivery structures. This is particularly relevant to ACE’s requirement for demonstrable progress on governance review actions, including clear decision-making frameworks, trustee capability, and evidence of effective organisational oversight.

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DAVID OBRART

TRUSTEE

Corporate governance, legal structure and regulatory compliance specialist

David Obrart brings deep expertise in corporate law, governance frameworks and organisational structuring, providing the Board with strong legal oversight during a period of transition and governance refinement. His experience advising businesses across formation, restructuring and compliance ensures MeWe’s governance arrangements remain robust, transparent and aligned with regulatory expectations, particularly in relation to the Sole Member model and board independence.

His background supports the Board in ensuring decisions are legally sound, conflicts of interest are appropriately managed, and organisational structures remain fit for purpose as MeWe completes current programme commitments and strengthens its governance framework for future funding.

David’s expertise directly supports key requirements identified by Arts Council England, including the need for clear governance controls, a framework for assessing proposals involving the Sole Member, and confidence in board independence and decision-making processes.

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PETE COLLEY

CEO

Pete joined MeWe360 as its Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in November 2025. A qualified Chartered Management Accountant, Pete has held a number of senior leadership roles over the last 25 years in both the public and private sectors, heading up Finance, Strategy, Procurement and Operations teams. He relishes working with teams, their customers and other stakeholders to enhance performance, optimise resources and leave them smiling.

Previous employers and clients include Boots, Reuters, Sainsburys, WHSmith, Network Rail and NHS England. He has most recently worked for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and its subsidiary, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR). His primary focus there was improving internal operations and controls, and fostering relationships with key third-party suppliers to deliver greater value for money for and reduce the risks to the regulators. Between 2005 and 2007, Pete was the Managing Director of Not the National Theatre, an Arts Council England supported small-scale touring theatre company, bringing new writing recently performed in London to arts centres and theatres across the UK. He has also been Deputy Head of Governors at St Jude’s Primary School in Herne Hill and Treasurer of the London branch of the Long Distance Walking Association (LDWA).

A regular in the cheap seats in London’s West End and elsewhere, Pete is also an avid follower of cyclo-cross and Burnley Football Club.

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NED. Trustee. Coach. Consultant. Speaker. Chair, Factory International. Former CEO of PHF

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