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An enterprise zone in Birmingham city centre would be "win-win" for the region, according to the deputy chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP. Steve Hollis, also chairman of KPMG in the Midlands, said the proposed location for the enterprise zone was "very clever". He added: "Think of the money and investment that can be generated with a city centre zone – this can then be redistributed on two fronts; back into the city centre and among the more disadvantaged areas in the region."

Holllis was officially appointed to the all-male LEP board yesterday, when he was also named as deputy chairman.

He added that the proposed city centre location for the zone would also help to kick-start projects which are in need of funding.

"In my personal opinion, the idea of a city centre enterprise zone is very clever," Hollis said. "We want to create value from the zone. The money which is created can then be distributed on two fronts – back into the city centre, and to be used to help other areas – it's win-win."

He was appointed to the board alongside Alan Voklaerts from Jaguar Land Rover's Solihull site; Rob Brown, managing director of Roger Bullivant; Nick Bunker, president of Kraft Foods in the UK and Ireland; Paul Heavan, owner of Blue Sky Corporate Finance, and David Kaye, managing director of National Express.

Professor David Eastwood, vice chancellor of the University of Birmingham, will represent the region's universities and colleges.

The LEP is chaired by Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis.

Hollis said: "As one of the country's biggest LEPs, I'd definitely like to think that the pressure was on us. We have a lot of responsibility and I think that pressure is needed. We have an outstanding board which should work very effectively as a team.

"To have the opportunity to be involved in something of this magnitude is really quite exciting. I really want to engage the business community more with the agenda we have running – we have to create more jobs, wealth and confidence in the region. The Midlands is a great place to do business – we have to promote that message.

"The region has seen through a lot in the past few years, I think it's time to bring the 'feel good factor' back."