First formal Humber LEP Board meeting coincides with recognition by the Government

Dec. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- And adding weight to the Board was news from Mark Prisk, Minister with responsibility for small businesses and enterprise and the Rt Hon Greg Clark, Minister of State for Communities and Local Government, that membership of the Board has been confirmed as being in line with the expectations set out in the Local Growth White Paper and has therefore been officially recognised by the Government.

It was further acknowledged that the range of business and public sector representatives on the Board reflects the diverse nature of the Humber economy.

The most important item on today’s Board meeting agenda is to discuss plans for the marketing and delivery of the Humber Enterprise Zones, the largest in the country. The enterprise zones are a central part of the LEP’s plans to create a renewable energy super cluster around the Humber.
The allocation of Growing Places funding of £6.8million pounds, and the proposed reduction in tolls on the Humber Bridge, will also come under discussion.

Ministers Prisk and Clark said in letter:

“We share your vision and determination to effect real change across the Humber.
“We are impressed by the range of business and public sector representatives on the Board reflecting the diverse nature of your economy. We’re sure that you and your colleagues will bring a wide range of skills and expertise to the role.”

Lord Haskins of Skidby, Chairman of Humber LEP said:

“We have a strong board in place that is keen to get down to work.  The LEP has some big tasks ahead of it and an important role in helping the Humber to reach its potential.  I was impressed by the shared commitment and determination of everyone around the table to make our area a success. By working together we hope to be a force to be reckoned with.”

For more information on Humber LEP, please see www.humberlep.org, email info@humberlep.org or telephone 01482 611 890.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1.   The 14 members of the Humber LEP Board are:
Chair Lord Haskins of Skidby
Vice Chair David Ross
John Clugston (former LEP Interim Chair)
Matt Jukes (Port Director, Associated British Ports [ABP])
Malcom Joslin (Communications and External Affairs Manager, BP Chemicals Ltd)
Peter Stephenson, Executive Chairman, Able UK Ltd
David Kilburn, Managing Director, MKM Building Supplies
Alan Platt, Managing Director, John Good Shipping

Ex Officio Board member is Howard O’Neill, President of the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce
The public sector members of the board, which includes the four local authorities covered by the Humber LEP are:
Councillor Steven Bayes, Economic Development and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, Hull City Council
Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Councillor Chris Shaw, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council
Councillor Liz Redfern, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, and
Professor Calie Pistorius, Vice Chancellor University of Hull

2.   The Board will meet monthly at various venues throughout the Humber sub-region