Leeds City Region LEP: opportunities for business leaders to help drive growth and jobs

22.01.13

The Leeds City Region LEP is seeking passionate and proven business leaders to join its Board and supporting panels, including applicants for the post of LEP Board Chair.

The current terms of appointment of Board members expire at the end of March, and the LEP is taking the opportunity to refresh Board membership for the next stage of its development. Current LEP Chair, Neil McLean, has today announced that this will include his stepping down from the role after two highly successful years.

Chair of the LEP, Neil McLean explained:

"Two years ago no-one knew whether LEPs would develop credibility or acquire the powers, responsibilities and resources to really help the Leeds City Region move forward.

“I am immensely proud of the progress the Leeds City Region LEP has made. We have real momentum, have developed a strategic economic plan for the City Region, helped to secure more than £90m for our businesses from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, and successfully taken our £36m Growing Places Fund to market.

“More generally, we have supported the conclusion of a ground-breaking City Deal that will empower the City Region to take charge of its economic destiny in entirely new ways, and established ourselves with Government as truly one of the leading LEPs in the country. All of this is tribute to the capability and commitment of the whole Board, public and private sector members alike.

“With the Government considering its response to the Heseltine review, the LEP now stands on the threshold of immensely important further development, with the devolution of significantly more substantial powers and budgets in years to come and additional private sector involvement is essential to ensure we maximise the opportunities there will be. I urge the business leadership of the City Region to come forward to really unlock the potential that is there.”

Chair of the Leeds City Region Leaders Board, Councillor Peter Box added:

“I am immensely grateful to Neil for his contribution over the last two years. He has led the LEP with clarity of purpose and unstinting commitment, and there is no question that without his expertise, negotiation skills and determination we wouldn’t be in the great position we are now. We are now looking for equally talented and like-minded business leaders to join the LEP and its groups to continue all the good work and see it through to the next exciting phase.”

Business leaders and entrepreneurs across the City Region have until 15 February to express their interest in joining the LEP. Membership opportunities are available on the LEP Board, and its three thematic panels focused on business innovation and growth, employment and skills and the green economy.

Further information on the recruitment can be found here