Business leaders wanted to help restart local economy

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is seeking local business leaders to join its Board of Directors. The LEP is the lead organization tasked by government to drive the economic success of the Solent area, and those joining the Board will play a key role in supporting the Solent economy to restart and return to growth.

The LEP Board is made up of business, education and local authority Directors and was the first LEP in the country to have a fully-elected board. All Solent LEP Directors undertake their roles on a voluntary basis. The Solent LEP is also opening the application process for Solent businesses to join the LEP as Business Members. LEP Business Members elect the Business Directors on the board and have an opportunity to support the work of the LEP in many ways. Membership of the LEP is free.

Rachael Randall, Principal of HTP Apprenticeship College and the Solent LEP Diversity Champion, said: “The future of our economy in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic will look very different and we have a unique opportunity as an area to shape this.

“We want to ensure the Solent can benefit from a diverse range of views and experience on this journey and are committed to having a Board which embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity within our economy. We are therefore particularly keen to encourage applications from female business leaders and business leaders from a BAME background. If you’re willing to play a key role in enhancing economic prospects within the area we would love to hear from you.”

The LEP is seeking to appoint two new Business Directors. The closing date is February 19 and you can find out more and find details of how to apply at solentlep.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-solent-lep-business-director/.