Lord Haskins appointed Chair of Humber Local Enterprise Partnership

Oct. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- He is currently a member of the Lords’ Cabinet Office Equality and Reform Group Board, Pro-Chancellor of the Open University and a non-executive Director of JSR Farms Ltd.

As a former Board member of Yorkshire Forward Regional Development Agency (1998-2008), he brings a wealth of experience in regional development and regeneration.

Lord Haskins was appointed by an independent selection panel after an open recruitment process for private sector members of the LEP Board.  He will appoint the remainder of the Board members with the selection panel in the coming weeks.

As well as chairing the LEP’s Board meetings and representing the LEP in public, Lord Haskins will also lead meetings with Ministers and be the LEP’s voice in Whitehall and Parliament.

Lord Haskins said: “The Humber LEP has a crucial role to play in making sure our area rises to the many challenges and opportunities ahead.  The task ahead of us is huge but I know that the business community and our partners are committed and determined that we will succeed.  I am honoured to have been asked to chair this organisation and I will look forward to working with everyone who shares our aims over the next few years.”

John Clugston, outgoing interim Chair of the Humber LEP, said: “I am delighted to hand over the baton to such a well-qualified and experienced Chair.  Christopher will provide the strong business leadership the LEP needs to take it through its next phase and help to make the Humber the success it has the potential to be.”

Howard O’Neill, President of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: “Christopher Haskins will make an excellent Chair of the LEP, so it’s great news for businesses in the Humber that he has accepted the panel’s offer.”

Chris Shaw, leader of N E Lincolnshire Council added: “ I welcome the news that Lord Haskins has been appointed as the Chair of the Humber LEP and look forward to working with him for the benefit of the Humber region”.