New Chair for the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership confirmed to lead the partnership’s work to support local businesses, attract investment and move the economy forward.
Paul Johnson, who recently stepped down from the position of Chairman of Knorr-Bremse (UK) Limited, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership Board. Paul’s appointment was ratified by an independent panel, drawn from the local business community, chaired by the High Sherriff of Wiltshire – Robert Hiscox. Paul will lead a Board of thirteen people, of which nine will have business backgrounds. His first task will be to lead the recruitment of the Board members and we intend to have the new Board in place by the end of this month
Paul Johnson said when confirming his acceptance:
"I’m delighted to have the opportunity to put something back into our community and use the expertise I have gained over my time in industry to support the growth and development of Swindon & Wiltshire’s economies in these challenging and turbulent times. Although I have spent much of my career in Wiltshire, I was born and raised in Swindon so feel I know both parts of our Partnership very well. My first job is to lead the recruitment of the Board so that we can quickly get into our stride – identifying the opportunities, constraints and priorities to move our economy forward – supporting the creation of wealth, jobs and new business opportunities for the benefit of all those who live and work in Swindon & Wiltshire".
For interviews or any other further information regarding this release or the work of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, please contact the Steve Richards -Swindon & Wiltshire LEP Secretariat, email : c2r@sdrichards.demon.co.uk, or tel: 07748 658230.
More about the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP):
The LEP is a Business-led private/public partnership that was approved by government last July 2011. There are 38 LEPs and the network is fast becoming the delivery vehicle for economic development policies – effectively replacing the regional (RDA) network – but without the budget and bureaucracy. They are tasked with creating wealth, jobs and new business opportunities in the area and the government is looking to harness the drive of business leaders who are keen to support their locality. They will also be ‘the voice of business’ – lobbying, and holding to account, local and central government.
“To be the pivotal place for economic growth in Southern England - creating wealth, jobs and new business opportunities that will benefit Swindon & Wiltshire and contribute positively to the UK economy.”
11/01/2012