Tony Hyde, the managing director of Worcestershire construction giant Thomas Vale Group has been announced as the first chairman of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Business Board.
Mr Hyde has pledged to use his expertise in handling multi million pound regeneration and investment projects to lead the Worcestershire LEP Business Board forward to shape the economic environment for new and existing businesses in Worcestershire.
His top priority is to secure existing jobs, create new jobs through inward investment and overall drive economic growth forward under the LEP Business Board.
He said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role as first chairman of Worcestershire LEP Business Board.
“The formation of the Worcestershire LEP is a fantastic opportunity for business and local government to work together in partnership to shape the future dynamic of the county.
“I am very much looking forward to using my influence and experience to provide strategic leadership to ensure the business board achieves its goals.”
Mr Hyde is one of four business representatives on the LEP’s executive board. He will be joined by Richard Soper, managing director of Bosch Thermotechnology, Ed Webb, executive chairman of Webbs Garden Centres and Alan White, chief executive of Malvern Hills Science Park.
The Business Board is responsible for providing business leadership and expertise, influencing policy making and shaping the economic environment for new and existing businesses in Worcestershire.
The Worcestershire LEP covers Worcester, Redditch, Malvern Hills, Wyre Forest, Wychavon and Bromsgrove. It has supported six bids to the Regional Growth Fund including a new site for Worcester Bosch, expansion of the Science Park in Malvern and a Business Park in Evesham.