22nd May 2012
SEMLEP Chair Appointed
12th Sep 2011
South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership
(SEMLEP) is pleased to announce that Dr. Ann Limb OBE DL has been appointed as Chair effective 30th September 2011. The role will be to chair the Board and to take SEMLEP forward in its role to deliver sustainable economic growth across the area.
Rod J Calvert OBE who led the SEMLEP Nominations Committee said that, “ SEMLEP were impressed by Ann’s leadership abilities and successful track record of effective partnership working across business and the public sector. Ann is a well-regarded leader locally and nationally as well as a successful social entrepreneur and a significantly experienced chair. She undertakes a range of private sector work particularly in the manufacturing, technology and national security fields. This experience will be invaluable in driving SEMLEP forward.”
With its 1.891m population the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) is the 7th largest of 34 Government approved LEPs. Based on the four large conurbations of Bedford, Luton, Milton Keynes and Northampton it differs from all but one of the larger LEPs which are City region based. SEMLEP incorporates a number of high value clusters including advanced technology/precision engineering; creative industries; life sciences/biotech; and finance/businesses services.
The clusters are supported by excellent education establishments including Cranfield University, University Of Bedfordshire, and University Centre Milton Keynes. Good road, rail, and air transport networks bring SEMLEP within 2 hours reach of 35million of the UK’s population as well as many European capital cities.
SEMLEP is targeting jobs growth by focussing on generating/supporting start up businesses; expansion of high growth businesses; and attracting new businesses into the area (including foreign direct investment). SEMLEP is engaging with central Government on urgent issues associated with transport and infrastructure which are affecting short-term job growth in the area.
The Local Authority Partners in SEMLEP are Aylesbury Vale District Council, Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire, Council, Cherwell District Council, Corby Borough Council, Dacorum Borough Council, Daventry District Council, Kettering Borough Council, Luton Borough Council, Milton Keynes Council, Northampton Borough Council and South Northamptonshire Council.
