Partnership seeking more business brains

Rotherham’s Local Strategic Partnership wants more of the borough’s business leaders to get involved in its new Rotherham Economy Board.

The board is being created as part of a shake-up of the Partnership, which has representatives from private and public sector bodies including the borough council, Chamber of Commerce and NHS Rotherham.

The Rotherham Economy Board will lead the strategic direction of Rotherham's economy, working closely with the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the new board created by the Government to lead and co-ordinate major investment in the South Yorkshire region.

The LSP said that it wanted to build on the borough’s existing assets, including its  strong manufacturing base and its reputation as a location for world leaders in advanced manufacturing with centres like the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the proposed multi-million pound Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC). 

The private-sector led board will aim to drive growth, innovation and enterprise in the Rotherham economy by providing direction, supporting enterprise, increasing business opportunities, securing investment and creating jobs.

Brian Chapple, chairman of the LSP, said: “The environment within which Local Strategic Partnerships operate continues to experience a period of change. 

“What has not changed is the fact that the economy and economic development in Rotherham is high on our agenda.

“The Rotherham Economy Board is an exciting opportunity for a new business-led approach and I look forward to passionate representatives of industry and enterprise working together to play a key role in shaping our future economic success.

“We are looking for board members that want to make a difference, help our economy to grow and ensure local people are able to benefit from and contribute to that growth.”

The new board will represent Rotherham’s interests on the board of South Yorkshire LEP, a new organisation formed specifically to help businesses bid for funding from the Government and cut through red tape and regulation.

Recruitment is now underway for a chairman from the private sector and business representatives to sit on the board. 

Anyone interested in joining the board should send an email to [email protected].