North East Local Enterprise Partnership reveals hunt for new board chair

A job creation and regeneration body is looking for a new board chair.

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is seeking “a high profile and influential businessperson” to fill the role after Andrew Hodgson [pictured] revealed plans to step down.

Andrew, who has spent nine years on the board, will leave the position once a replacement is found.

Bosses say the non-executive director role, which is being advertised nationally, comes with “significant public profile, responsibility and accountability to the North East community”.

Heidi Mottram, LEP board vice-chair and Northumbrian Water chief executive, said: “Andrew has been a superb chair since he was appointed in 2016 and has truly been committed to making our area an even better place to live and work.

“During Andrew’s time as chair, we have become respected nationally as one of the leading and most effective LEPs in the country.

“On behalf of the board and wider LEP community and partners, I’d like to offer our thanks for his service and wish him success in his next challenge.

“However, Andrew’s departure creates an exciting opportunity for someone equally experienced, well-connected, dynamic and committed to the region to help us achieve our ambitions for the future.

“We need someone who is prepared to be a visible and active cheerleader for the North East across the region, the Northern Powerhouse area and the UK.”

The LEP is one of 38 in the country and sets the economic agenda to promote and develop economic growth across the North East.

Its geographic patch covers the local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.