Booth appointed chair of new pan-Lancashire LEP

THE newly-formed Local Enterprise Partnership for Lancashire held its first meeting yesterday, at which Preston-based supermarkets chief Edwin Booth was named chairman.

The board has been comprised from various members of privately-owned companies across the county, alongside representatives from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool Councils.

Disputes between the various councils about whether to progress with just one or several sub-county LEPs has meant that the area’s LEP not progressed as quickly as other areas. Booth, who is chairman of family-owned EH Booths, said that it was “a relief” to have held the organisation’s first meeting.

“There is now an opportunity to put aside sentiment and open a new chapter in our county’s economic development,” he said.

“Through the LEP, we want to harness the expertise we have so we can punch above our weight and become recognised as a business leader throughout the North West region.

Councillor Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “This is a positive step forward which we hope will bring benefits to all parts of Lancashire, which is important given the huge challenges we face.”

Leader of Blackpool Council, Councillor Simon Blackburn, said: “Only by working as a partnership can we really market the area to investors and make sure business bosses know they have the workers they need right here in Blackpool, coupled of course with the wholehearted support of the public sector to help expand their businesses.”

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