[C]umbria Local Enterprise Partnership, the county’s strategic economic body, has commenced its search for a new chair of its board, to be recruited from the private sector.
The unpaid role oversees the implementation of a multi-million-pound programme of economic development projects around the county, and involves a commitment of 4-5 days per month.
The successful candidate will help to develop a new Local Industrial Strategy for Cumbria that will set out the county’s priorities to the 2030s.
The new Chair will also work closely with Transport for the North, Highways England and Network Rail to improve Cumbrian transport infrastructure through the Northern Transport Strategy.
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership’s Director Graham Haywood says: “We are looking for a persuasive and influential business leader from the private sector who will bring direction, energy and passion to the role and build on the LEP’s reputation as the strategic leader in economic development in Cumbria.
“The new chair will have at least 10 years’ experience in a senior appointment in the private sector, as well as a track record in delivering the objectives of complex organisations and boards. They will work closely with government, local authorities, MPs, business leaders and a range of partners to strengthen the LEP’s decision making powers, secure additional investment and bring economic development projects to fruition.
“The new Local Industrial Strategy will be a key part of that, so experience of our strategic economic plan sectors, priorities and drivers, and what we need to do to update and develop them, is essential.
“This is an open recruitment process and the successful candidate will have a proven track record of providing strategic leadership, achieving business objectives and operating effectively at board level. They will also have significant experience in an ownership or senior managerial capacity within a private sector business organisation in Cumbria.”
A recruitment pack is available on the homepage of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership website www.cumbrialep.co.uk
The new chair will replace George Beveridge, who is stepping down from the role after seven years, having overseen the ongoing investment of over £60m of funding designed to accelerate economic growth in the county. Mr Beveridge will remain in post until a successor is appointed to ensure a smooth transition.
