First published in the Worcester News on 10.04.2015
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s New Chair Mark Stansfeld
This is my first column as Chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP) and I was delighted to take up this position at the beginning of March.
Thank you to everyone that provided feedback on the draft WLEP Business Plan and it was fantastic to see all those who attended the consultation event last month. The ambitious targets for the years ahead build on the many successes we have already seen and provide a clear focus for delivery to benefit the County’s long-term prosperity.
I am passionate about continuing to raise the profile of World Class Worcestershire and believe that it has so much to offer – as a visitor destination, as a place to live and as a place to do business. On the 28 April we will be bringing potential investors, developers and employers to Worcestershire to see first-hand the many opportunities available. With my background in technology, our priority growth sectors are also close to my heart: IT, Cyber and Defence, Agri-tech and Advanced Manufacturing, and I am looking forward to helping the County to continue to excel in these areas. I, like many others, will enjoy the wealth of sport that the County has to offer over the coming months. Evidence shows that sport is vital in boosting the economy and events such as the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships in August and September will put the media spotlight firmly on Worcestershire regionally, nationally and internationally which is to be welcomed.
In the last few weeks I have already started to see some of the great work which is taking place and will be meeting with many more businesses and partner organisations over the coming weeks and months.
Mark Stansfeld
Chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership