New boss to take the reins at Lancashire local enterprise partnership
Lancashire’s Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed a new chief executive.
Sarah Kemp will report to the chair of the LEP Steve Fogg and support the board to deliver on its economic strategy for the county.
Sarah brings with her a wealth of experience across a range of sectors, including local government, regional economic development, manufacturing, life sciences and professional services.
In her most recent role as executive director at Sefton Council, she led on the development and implementation of a new £150m council strategic investment programme aimed at stimulating the economy, creating new jobs and businesses, and generating new sources of revenue for the council.
Prior to this Sarah led economic development and regeneration in the North West and Greater Manchester developing internationally competitive sectors, trade, inward investment, business support, and cluster development.
Steve Fogg said: “We are in unprecedented times and our economy will need to rebound from the inevitable damage as a consequence of Covid 19.
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah as CEO, and look forward to working with her to deliver our ambitious growth plans for Lancashire, which are more important now than ever.
“Sarah brings a strong track record in cross-organisation partnership working, driving efficiency, transformation, investment for social and financial return, developing commercial solutions, and achieving economic growth. She will be a great asset for both the LEP and for Lancashire.”
Sarah said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a great team from the public and private sector to make a difference for Lancashire and I am honoured to have been selected.”
The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a strategic collaboration between business, universities and local councils which directs economic growth and drives job creation.
It was formed in 2011 to make Lancashire the location for business growth and inward investment.
Since then the LEP has played a crucial role in coordinating the county’s economic priorities, has secured a £1billion growth plan and brought forward over 50 major growth initiatives.
The LEP is now developing a new Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) which will have the county’s people and places at its core, with the focus on improvement and performance of Lancashire’s key towns and cities. It will support all future investment activity and position Lancashire’s key sectors and supply chain strengths and opportunities – driven by productivity, innovation and internationalisation.
Sarah will begin her new role in April 2020, taking over from the interim chief executive Andrew Pettinger who has been in post since early 2019.
