December 2, 2019 10.07 am This story is over 51 months old

Ursula Lidbetter steps down as Greater Lincolnshire LEP Chair

She will leave her role at the end of December

Ursula Lidbetter OBE is stepping down as Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP at the end of December 2019.

Ursula Lidbetter OBE will stand down after nine years as Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership at the end of December.

LEP directors may serve for a maximum of nine years and Ursula, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnshire Co-op, was the first chair of the LEP when it was created in 2010.

As well as being Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, she is also Chair of the Lincoln Business Improvement Group and was Chair of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce until last year.

The search for a new Chair will now begin and, until an appointment is made, the LEP’s Deputy Chair Pat Doody will act as Interim Chair.

Ursula was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to business in Lincolnshire and an OBE in 2019.

She said: “It’s been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership since it was formed. The difference we’ve made can be seen from the Humber to the Wash in better infrastructure, innovation and business growth, university and college provision.

“The LEP has brought people from business and the public sector together with government to develop our ambitious Strategic Economic Plan and emerging Local Industrial Strategy which guide our effort and investment. Major projects include the Food Enterprise Zones in Holbeach and Grimsby, the Grantham Southern Relief Road and the Lincoln Transport Hub. We’ve also invested in sustainable transport including in Go Skegness, where there’s also a new business park on the way.

“While investing in physical assets we’ve worked equally hard to ensure that we develop the skills locally to start and grow great businesses and create good jobs. So we’ve invested in the Lincoln Medical School, new university campuses in Grantham and Scunthorpe and digital training centres in Stamford and Lincoln. Our Growth Hub has supported more than 24,000 businesses who want to grow and succeed.”

She added: “Over my nine years as Chair we’ve grown in our ambition and proved our ability to transform this place while retaining our quality of life. I look forward to seeing the next chapter unfold.”

Pat Doody said: “I know I speak for the rest of the board when I reflect that Ursula has provided a very clear sense of direction and purpose to the LEP’s workings and has always had the best interests of Greater Lincolnshire at the heart of decision making.

“She has added the important ingredient of ambition while recognising the challenges we have had to overcome in order to free up the area’s potential.”

Anyone wishing to discuss the role of Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP should email [email protected] or call 0203 8492627.

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