Lidbetter sets out Lincs LEP priorities
Ursula Lidbetter, the new chairman of the Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), says the newly-formed organisation’s priorities will be “agriculture, tourism, engineering and our natural assets”.
Lidbetter, chairman of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Lincolnshire Co-operative’s chief executive, was announced as the chairman at the board’s inaugural meeting. David Dexter, regional chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses and a small business owner, is to be her deputy.
The board consists of 12 representatives - six from business and six civic leaders from across publically-funded organisations.
Lidbetter said: “Our first meeting has been very productive. We aim to drive forward with activities to stimulate the local economy to create prosperity and make the best of our strengths. Key priorities will be agriculture, tourism, engineering and our natural assets and we’re brimming with ideas and energy.
“We’re keen to establish good relationships across the county and beyond and look forward to working with all local organisations which share our passion for the success of Lincolnshire.”
Andrew Thurston, head of enterprise development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “After the success of the Greater Lincolnshire proposal, we are pleased to have reached the milestone of establishing the board so quickly. This means we can get started in preparing funding bids to benefit county projects and bring forward business growth.”
Professor Andrew Atherton, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Lincoln, added: “LEPs are key to the growth and wellbeing of Lincolnshire, through the strong partnerships for development that we have forged. Bringing together business leaders, public agencies and the education sector, the LEP will take forward our vision for prosperity.
“The university will work with the LEP to raise our engagement with businesses across the county, through the Leadership and Management Centre within our Business School, and we will take a lead on innovation and research and development, especially through our new School of Engineering, Sparkhouse and technology development and application in partnership with business.”
