Shortt in shock exit from Coventry & Warwickshire LEP
THE Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership has been shocked by the sudden resignation of its chairman, leading entrepreneur and business figure Denys Shortt.
Reports have suggested his decision could be the result of a power struggle between the city council and the business elements within the LEP over the future direction of its transport policy.
Mr Shortt has distanced himself from the dispute and in a brief statement said: “There’s never a good time to go, but now feels right. It will give others a chance to focus on the next set of challenges.”
Mr Shortt, who was appointed to the position last year and finished runner-up to the late David Grove in the Ambassador category in the recent TheBusinessDesk.com’s West Midlands Business Masters awards, said he had been planning to step down in October anyway to focus on his other business interests.
He said he wanted to give his successor time to bed in and prepare for the challenges which lay ahead.
“There are people working and businesses growing today because of the Coventry & Warwickshire LEP. The next wave of challenges is almost upon us. I had planned to step down as chairman in October,” he said.
“However, my business is in significant growth at the moment and we have big plans for the future. That means I simply will not have the time to devote to the work that needs to be done at the LEP.
Better, now, to give someone else a two-year run at the job of advancing our good work and of reinforcing the LEP as an incorporated body that is fully-funded and with an independent executive. There are fantastic opportunities ahead and it is right that a new chair starts that process with fresh eyes and new energy as soon as possible.”
He said the LEP had achieved a huge amount in the 18 months since he had been chairman and was recognised nationally for its progressive approach.
Projects such as 100 apprentices in 100 days, the winning of millions of pounds in regional and rural growth funds and the selection of Coventry to host the National LEP Conference at the Ricoh Arena – with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in attendance – were examples of what it had done, he added.
“To have done so during the worst recession the country has known in a lifetime is no mean achievement,” he said.
Martin Yardley, managing director of the LEP, said: “Denys had made the board aware at the last meeting that he was intending to stand down earlier than originally expected.
“We had therefore started the procedure of choosing a replacement, a process which will now be accelerated over the coming weeks.
“We would like place on record our thanks to Denys for his drive and energy, which has been instrumental in helping the LEP get off to such a successful start.”
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said Mr Shortt’s work had left a very buoyant organisation.
“A tremendous amount has been achieved in the first 18 months and Denys’s energy and enthusiasm have been key to that success,” she said.
“The LEP has a very clear remit to break down the barriers to growth and Denys is a very passionate advocate of business.
“The LEP wishes him well for what is clearly an exciting time for his own company.”
