New chairman sought to lead Local Enterprise Partnership
A business leader is being sought to take up the position of chairman at the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Together with board members, the new chairman will help so shape strategy and investment activity to grow the future economy of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
SSLEP is a business-led company limited by guarantee bringing together business, higher education institutions and public sector partners to create the conditions to grow new and better jobs, a higher skilled workforce and increase business productivity across both city and county.
SSLEP’s vision is to transform the area into a connected county with vibrant, competitive urban centres and an inspiring, economic powerhouse in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, enabled by building upon a globally successful business base and ambitious, highly skilled workforce.
You can view our application pack here: SSLEP Chair recruitment application pack
The closing date for applications is Friday January 3 2020 with interviews taking place on Friday January 10 2020.
Applicants will also need to complete an Equality and Diversity form here: Equality Diversity Monitoring Form
Previous chairman David Frost retired as chairman in September after serving for five years.
LEP board member James Leavesley said:
Our new chairman will join at an important time for the LEP as we continue to develop our Local Industrial Strategy, bring in new board members and begin work with the new government.
Working with board members and partners they will lead the organisation’s long-term growth programme. We know we are not short of talented business leaders who share our passion and ambitions for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
We look forward to starting the recruitment process and aim to have someone identified in the first quarter of the New Year.”
Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
Successful leadership of the LEP is essential in bringing businesses, the public sector and education and skills providers together to create the right conditions for economic growth and job creation across the whole of Staffordshire.
They will play a vital role in lobbying the new Government for the interests of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and for funding for major projects and skills development initiatives. They will help to ensure we remain an influential partner in the workings of the Midlands Engine and Midlands Connect.”
Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and cabinet member for corporate resources, said:
It is a really exciting time for Stoke-on-Trent and we’re seeing a number of new initiatives coming to fruition where the LEP has played a crucial role. From one of the most successful enterprise zones in the country at Ceramic Valley, to a diverse business offer in the city centre including a new Hilton hotel in Smithfield and other exciting development opportunities, the LEP has been instrumental in helping to elevate the city to become one of the fastest growing economies outside London.
Becoming LEP chairman is a fantastic chance to help continue this trajectory in Stoke-on-Trent and the county as a whole and I would urge people not to miss the chance to apply. Roles like this don’t come along every day.”
Through its Growth Deals, SSLEP is contributing more than £147m of investment over the period up to 2021 in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Partner contributions, including from local authorities, universities, FE colleges and the private sector, brings the total invested through the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan to some £344m to date.
