Solent LEP seeks next Chair to shape the region’s long-term success

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has announced that it is seeking its next Chair to help deliver its Solent 2050 vision and shape the long-term success for the region.

Successful Local Enterprise Partnerships are led by influential private and public sector leaders, acting as champions for their area’s economic success.

As the first LEP in the country to have a fully elected Board, the Solent LEP has succeeded in developing strong and collaborative relationships with its partners in the public, private, education and community sector to bring forward investment and encourage innovation.

Jo Sawford, Solent LEP Business Director and Chair of the Search, Employment and Remuneration Committee, said: “We believe the Solent has the potential to become the UK's capital of coastal renaissance and have an ambitious long-term strategy, Solent 2050, ready to support this.

“Our vision for Solent 2050 is to be the globally leading maritime cluster and at the forefront of innovations to adapt to climate change, with towns and cities that are fantastic places to live, trade and with opportunities for all our communities to flourish.

“The new Chair of the Solent LEP is integral to making the vision of Solent 2050 a reality - shaping a prosperous future for the next generation and inspiring the Solent to reach its full potential.

“I would encourage any business leader with a passion for supporting our local economy to apply for this challenging and rewarding role and join us as we strive to deliver our ambitions for the Solent, helping local businesses and communities succeed.”

The Solent LEP seeks an influential local leader who can bring energy and passion to act as a champion for the area’s economic success. The role is extremely important in shaping the work of the LEP and will involve leading its Board of Directors.

The Board plays a critical role in providing a strong, independent and diverse local business voice for the area; both in developing an immediate programme of support provided by the Solent LEP as well as shaping longer-term strategies.

Applications are welcomed until midnight on Tuesday 14 March 2023.