Business people with strong networking experience and the credibility to champion the region are being sought by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to join its business board.
The LEP is looking to appoint new board members to help shape a brighter, greener future for the West of England’s residents. 
The LEP helps shape the economic future of the region, which covers Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, and champions the West of England at regional, national and international level.
With the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), it is leading the region’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, while the LEP board presents the voice of business and universities to WECA.
WECA and the LEP have also worked with the government and the business community to develop a Local Industrial Strategy that sets out clear priorities to drive long-term clean and inclusive growth in the regional economy, drawing on its unique strengths.
The LEP said it was looking for inspirational, influential new members with expertise in key areas critical to recovery such as developing green infrastructure, sustainable transport, financial services, the creative and cultural sectors and trade unions.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who leads WECA, said: “From Brunel to Concorde, to Wallace and Gromit, our region is amazing. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape its future.
“WECA works closely with the LEP to put the West of England firmly on the map as a place of creativity and innovation. 
“We’re looking for passionate and committed people who share our vision of a greener, fairer and prosperous future for all our region’s residents.”
Current board member Joanne Rumley, pictured, a partner in the Bristol office of South West law firm Foot Anstey, said: “Being a member of the business board gives me the opportunity to use my business skills and experience to help shape the future of our region but also learn from other experienced local leaders.
“Collectively we are a group of people striving for real and positive change to improve the lives of those who live and work in the West of England.”
Former business board member Dick Penny, pictured, an independent consultant in the creative sector and ex-managing director of Bristol’s pioneering Watershed media centre, added: “Our region has huge potential, in large part due to the diversity of culture and enterprises.
“Through my time on the LEP board I have seen the critical role members play in articulating that diversity and helping the combined authority to lobby government and to target support where it is most needed and effective.”
Successful candidates will be willing to use their knowledge to go the extra mile in helping shape the region’s future.
The board is keen to maintain a diverse membership that is representative of the region and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All business roles are voluntary.
More information is available in the business board members recruitment pack 2021.
Further information about the region and the West of England LEP can be found by visiting westofengland-ca.gov.uk/local-enterprise-partnership/
Expressions of interest should be emailed along with a short biography or CV to lepchair@westofengland-ca.gov.uk by 17 December.
