Industry leaders appointed to LEP Board

Nine of West Yorkshire’s leading businesspeople are set to come on board to help Mayor Tracy Brabin create jobs, attract investment and build a thriving economy.

Nine new members have joined the West Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Board (LEP), the Mayor Tracy Brabin has announced today, following a competitive process.

The members will sit on a revised West Yorkshire ‘LEP’ Business Board and support the move to strengthen the relationship between the region’s businesses, the Mayor and Combined Authority.

Confirmed on the LEP board are Fara Butt, director of Kirklees-based Shire Beds, and winner of Yorkshire Choice Awards’ Business Woman of the Year.

Also joining the LEP is Piece Hall chief executive Nicky Chance-Thompson, who helped oversee the redevelopment of the Halifax landmark into one of the North’s premier concert and event venues.

Asma Iqbal, equity partner of Bradford-based Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, will also join the board.

These new members will play a key role in re-defining and re-shaping the role of the private sector within the Combined Authority, further strengthening the partnership between the private and public sectors.

Jane Atkinson CBE, Aaron Holt, Lisa Johnson, Annette Joseph MBE, Sherin Mathew and Natalie Syke have also been put forward to join the board. It is expected they will join in the coming months.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “I’m thrilled to have appointed the new Board Members, who will help us to drive forward the progress we’ve made so far in building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.

“I look forward to harnessing their combined expertise to achieve our shared ambitions for the region, ensuring continued growth and opportunities for all.”

The LEP Board will next convene on 29 November 2023.