LEP chairman Tim Pile to stand down

Tim Pile, chair of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, has announced that he will step down from the role in November.

Anita Bhalla will step in as interim chair until next year.

Bhalla, non-executive board director of GBSLEP, said: “Tim has led GBSLEP with integrity, dedication and commitment over the last four years. His work in bringing together business, local government and academic partners has resulted in investments that have boosted the region’s economy. Before the pandemic hit, our economy had grown twice that of the average major English city-regions since 2010 – a phenomenal achievement.

“Shortly after the first national lockdown last year, Tim steered the board and executive into taking swift action to mitigate the immediate impact of the pandemic on businesses across the region.

“As well as his clear direction he also kept GBSLEP on track to deliver core commitments and capital investments. His outlook and ambition have put GBSLEP in the strong position of playing a role in economic recovery based on locally led business intelligence – a remarkable achievement in unprecedented times.

“I know leaving GBSLEP has been a difficult decision. On behalf of the board and executive, I would like to thank him for his incredible contribution in driving inclusive economic growth across the region.”

Pile said: “The decision to go has not been an easy one, especially given my profound commitment to the excellent work that the GBSLEP does and the huge difference it makes.

“Anita Bhalla will take over and a recruitment process will get underway for a permanent successor to be in place by next March. I will also be resigning from my other roles.

“It has been a huge honour and privilege to serve the region over the last four years alongside GBSLEP’s dedicated board members who give their time and expertise to drive inclusive economic growth across the region. Of course, our work has built on the excellent foundations laid by Andy Street, GBSLEP’s first chair, past board directors and our chief executive Katie Trout who has been with the organisation since it was established 10 years ago.”