David Taylor, LEP board member, chair of UCLan

Regen veteran takes temporary reins at LEP

4 February 2021 09:26 Neil Tague Comments (0)

Steve Fogg is to step down as chairman of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, and will be replaced on an interim basis by David Taylor.

Fogg, a career BAE Systems man, was recently named as the next chair of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Taylor currently serves as deputy chair on the LEP and was formerly the first chief executive of Homes England predecessor body English Partnerships, a role for which he was headhunted from Amec.

Taylor said: “I want to thank Steve for everything he has done for the LEP during his stewardship. His tenure has seen the Lancashire economy face the unprecedented challenges of Brexit uncertainty, the COVID pandemic and a recession.

“Throughout these trying times, he has remained steadfast in his determination to see the Lancashire economy recover and grow. Our loss is undoubtedly the NHS’s gain.”

Fogg added: “I will always remain a champion and advocate for Lancashire businesses and its people.

“I am particularly proud of all the work that the LEP has done in developing a new strategic framework, the establishment of business-led sector groups and encouraging and delivering investment for growth, through projects such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, as well as securing a further £34.1m from the Government’s Getting Building Fund.”

The LEP said that a further announcement on a new full-time chair will be made soon.