Anne Boyd officially steps-down as chief executive of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP

Anne Boyd BCAb FRSA will step down today (20 September), as chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire local enterprise partnership (LEP), following an 18-month leadership.

Working with the LEP’s dynamic Board to drive economic growth and support the region’s post-pandemic recovery, Boyd has been instrumental in helping to secure a strong business-led economic recovery at a local level, champion growth for the future and develop a stronger profile across both domestic and international markets.

Despite a turbulent economic backdrop and period of significant change for LEPs following the LEP Review and Levelling Up White Paper, Boyd has led the LEP’s close partnership work with businesses, investors, academia, local authorities, and senior Government figures to build a strong business investment pipeline for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire going forward.

Boyd will now take-up a new national role as Director of Advice and Business Solutions service across Great Britain for ACAS (funded by BEIS).

Under Boyd’s leadership, the organisation has delivered a £23 million Getting Building Fund programme, ensuring rapid and visible economic recovery in Staffordshire, introduced expert market intelligence via the new economic SITREP, and strengthened Staffordshire’s position nationally across both Government and her peers.

Following the Government’s Levelling-Up White Paper announcement in February, Boyd has developed the co-design of a new business model that will supersede the LEP and ensure that the independent voice of business continues to influence and drive growth and innovation locally.

Reflecting on her time at the LEP, Anne Boyd said:

“It’s been a privilege to serve as chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The difference the LEP has made throughout the course of the past few years is clear. From supporting businesses navigate the complexities of post-covid recovery and the impact of Brexit, to delivering better infrastructure, accelerated innovation, and business growth, I’m really proud to have been able to play a part in that journey.

“A real highlight for me has been leading collaboration with our Local Authority partners to secure a future blueprint for the LEP and evolve it into a new Business Partnership that will add value and ensure that the voice of business is amplified and firmly embedded in local decision-making.
 

“I’m also particularly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with wonderful partners, a talented Board and an inspirational team, leading on the first economic Situation Report for the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire subregion, which will provide partners with a detailed understanding of business needs to inform their recovery and growth interventions.
 

“Finally, I want to express my appreciation to the LEP team and to those who have served alongside me on the LEP board, in particular, the passion and energy from our chairman. It has been a privilege to work with such a strong, dynamic team. I look forward to championing and hearing about your continued success over the next 12 months.”

Alun Rogers, chair of Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP, said:
 

Alun Rogers, Chair, SSLEP and Anne Boyd

“Anne has been a key driving force for the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP, guiding and overseeing delivery of some fantastic achievements for our region during her time as chief executive.
 

“Her leadership throughout the pandemic helped to ensure that local businesses were listened to and supported through this incredibly challenging time. Embodying the LEP’s being as the voice of business, Anne has been central to our discussions with Central Government to ensure we have the right support available to help businesses grow and helping to shape the policies of the future that will benefit Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
 

“On behalf of the LEP and all our partners, I would like to thank Anne for her dedication and wish her well in her future endeavours.
 

“There is now an exciting chance for a new chief executive to join the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP.”

The search for a new Chief Executive will now take place. Until an appointment is made, the LEP has put measures in place to ensure continuity and that consistent high levels of service remain.  

The LEP is a business-led partnership of private and public sector leaders. It works with businesses, the Government, and local authorities to drive economic growth in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and is the voice of the local business community. The organisation helps to ensure that the economic interests of the area are properly represented, offering support to a vast number of local businesses which play a vital role in the regional economy and community.