Wanted: Leading businesswomen to drive region’s growth

February 26, 2019

The region’s leading businesswomen are being urged to step forward and play their part in driving the area’s economic growth.

The Marches LEP’s annual report was launched in Westminster

The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has vacancies for two new board members and says it is particularly keen to hear from excellent female business leaders for the roles.

The LEP – which covers Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin – says women are currently under-represented on its board as are the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Marches LEP director Gill Hamer said it was crucial that the make-up of the LEP reflected the diversity of talent across the region.

“It is vital that we properly reflect the communities we serve and we are therefore very keen to improve gender equality on our board,” said Gill.

“The two vacancies will provide an excellent opportunity for the right people to be involved in developing the strategy and plans which will take our region forward over the coming years and ensure our continued prosperity.

“These are important, strategic roles and so we are particularly keen to hear from business leaders and board level directors who will be inspirational and have the credibility to champion the Marches at both regional and national levels.

“We have been challenged by the Government to ensure a third of our board is made up of women. We are taking achieving this target very seriously and hope that this recruitment campaign will reflect that.”

Marches LEP chairman Graham Wynn added: “There could not be a better time for leading businesswomen to join the board. We are currently finalising our new Strategic Economic Plan and will shortly start work on an ambitious Local Industrial Strategy which will play such a vital part in delivering growth over the coming years.

“The Marches has a national reputation as a great place to do business and a great place to live and our new board members will have the opportunity to play a leading part in shaping its future.”

Applicants should have a strong knowledge or expertise in the region’s industry and either live or work in the Marches.

The board meets six times a year and membership will be for a minimum of two years on a voluntary basis.

Expressions of interest should be emailed along with a short biography or CV to Gill Hamer at gill.hamer@marcheslep.org.uk by 12.00pm on March 28. To find out more about the roles call Gill Hamer on 01743 462026.

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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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