City finance chief set to control LEP’s purse-strings

ONE of the best-known figures within Birmingham’s financial services sector has been co-opted to a new role within the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

Chris Loughran, vice chairman of Deloitte and a former leader of his firm’s Midlands practice, is set to play a major role in the allocation of the Local Growth Fund as the LEP’s Deputy Chair for Delivery.

His appointment was announced at the LEP’s annual general meeting, held at Birmingham Town Hall.

Mr Loughran said: “These are exciting times for our region and I am determined we use the funds secured as part of our Growth Deal to make a real difference across our LEP region. We have an opportunity to create a sustainable economic legacy here and I am committed to playing my part in doing so.”

LEP chairman Andy Street, who announced the appointment, said: “Having Chris on board is a key appointment for us – his ability to drive value and results from the Local Growth Fund will be crucial in demonstrating significant change across the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP.

“The spotlight is on us to make the most of the Growth Deal, if we don’t, further funding will not be forthcoming in the next round of the Local Growth Fund allocations.”