Lancs LEP picks chief executive

Sarah Kemp will take the helm at the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership next month, replacing interim chief executive Andrew Pettinger who has been in the role since March 2019.

Kemp was previously executive director at Sefton Council, where she led on the development and implementation of a £150m strategic investment programme aimed at stimulating the economy and generating sources of revenue.

She worked at Midas, Manchester’s inward investment agency, from 2013 to 2015 and spent six years at the North West Development Agency.

Kemp will report to Steve Fogg, chair of the LEP, who said of the appointment: “We are in unprecedented times and our economy will need to rebound from the inevitable damage as a consequence of Covid-19.

“Sarah brings a strong track record in cross-organisation partnership working, driving efficiency, transformation, investment for social and financial return, developing commercial solutions and achieving economic growth. She will be a great asset for both the LEP and for Lancashire.”

Kemp said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a great team from the public and private sector to make a difference for Lancashire and I am honoured to have been selected.”

Cllr Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council and LEP board member, said: “We warmly welcome Sarah to her new role and look forward to working with her. Sarah’s experience in the public, private and volunteer sectors will help the LEP board to deliver strategic programmes that will make a significant difference to business, as well as to people in Lancashire.”

The LEP is a collaboration between business, universities and local councils to drive economic growth and job creation. It was formed in 2011, and has since produced a £1bn growth plan and brought forward 50 initiatives.

The LEP is currently developing a Local Industrial Strategy which will focus on improvement and performance of Lancashire’s key towns and cities.