A new organisation dedicated to planning and promoting a prosperous economic future for York and North Yorkshire has been given the go-ahead by the Government.
The York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership will bring together business leaders and local authorities in a partnership dedicated to ensuring a flourishing private sector.
The Partnership was officially recognised today by the Government.
The process of recruiting private sector members of the board is now under way.
Shaun Watts, chairman of the Partnership steering group and President of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said the Government’s recognition was a “great step”.
He added: “It enables the private sector and the public sector to take co-ordinated action in driving job creation, prosperity, and investment.
“The LEP will lie at the heart of local decision-making, and sitting on the board will be a fantastic opportunity for business leaders to play an influential role in the growth and success of the local economy. We want the board to consist of the best people from a range of sectors.”
Besides the Chamber, the steering group involves key business organisations, including the Federation of Small Businesses, the Country Landowners and Business Association, the National Farmers Union, and local business groups.
“This is an exciting development which gives all of us in both the private and public sectors the chance to help shape the economic future of York and North Yorkshire,” said Councillor John Weighell, the Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, on behalf of the local authority partners in the new organisation.
The new LEP will work closely with existing Partnerships in the Leeds City region and the Tees Valley, as well as a Partnership being proposed for Hull, the East Riding, and Scarborough.
Further details on applying for Board membership can be obtained from Jonathan French, the Executive Manager of the York and North Yorkshire Partnership Unit on 01904 477974, or by email to jonathan.french@ynypu.org.uk More information can be found on the Partnership’s new website www.ynylep.co.uk.
