New chief executive appointed for Marches Local Enterprise Partnership

October 4, 2021

A new chief executive has been appointed to lead The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership. 

Rachel Laver joins the Marches LEP from Cheshire and Warrington LEP where she had been director of programmes, managing more than £240 million of funding. 

She succeeds Gill Hamer, who stood down from the role at the end of July after six years. 

Marches LEP chair Mandy Thorn MBE said Rachel had been the outstanding candidate for the post, which had attracted high-quality applications from across the country. 

“Rachel brings with her a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience of the work of LEPs which will be invaluable over the coming months and years,” said Mandy. 

“Her record at the Cheshire and Warrington LEP, where she consistently achieved success, managed multi-million pound budgets and established new development funds to help meet strategic goals is particularly impressive. 

“Rachel has shown herself to be a tenacious leader and someone who clearly understands the specific challenges facing the business community across the Marches region as it recovers from the impact of the pandemic. Her appointment will undoubtedly help us strengthen further the partnership working with our colleagues in the public sector and academia which is such an integral and unique part of the way the LEP operates.” 

Rachel, who has more than 20 years’ experience as a senior programme and strategic leader, said she was delighted to accept the new role. 

“I have long been an admirer of the work of the Marches LEP in driving forward the economy of the region and am looking forward to playing my part in helping to bring further growth and prosperity to Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. 

“This is a wonderful area, full of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, thriving and growing businesses, warm and welcoming people and a real can do attitude in all its communities. I am delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to its ongoing success.” 

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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