Application process open for new Chair to lead Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership
The Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, a driving force behind the economic growth in Staffordshire, is currently on the lookout for for a new Chair...
Business leaders from across Staffordshire are being urged to submit their applications to take up the position of Chair at the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SSLEP).
Together with fellow board members the new Chair will help to shape strategy and investment activity across Staffordshire, helping to spur the future economic growth of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are voluntary partnerships between local authorities and businesses, launched back in 2011 by the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, to help determine local economic priorities and lead economic growth and job creation within their local area.
The SSLEP is a business-led company (limited by guarantee) that brings together business, higher education institutions and public sector partners to create the conditions that will drive new and better jobs, a higher skilled workforce, infastructure investment, and increase business productivity across both Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire-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.
People can view the application pack by CLICKING HERE
Or by visiting SSLEP website: www.stokestaffslep.org.uk
The closing date for applications is midday (12pm) on Monday 16th December.
Previous chairman David Frost retired as chairman in September after serving for five-years.
James Leavesley, LEP Board Member, said:
“Our new chair 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, commented:
“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, added:
“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 Chair 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, the SSLEP is contributing more than £147million of investment over the period up to 2021 in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Partner contributions (including local authorities, universities, FE colleges and the private sector) brings the total invested through the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan to some £344million to date.