Peter Richardson takes the reigns at D2N2 LEP
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership – the body set up to promote economic growth across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire – has appointed Peter Richardson as its new Chairman.
Mr Richardson, a prominent business figure in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, takes the role with immediate effect and will lead the D2N2 Board for an initial period until May 2013, when a planned review of the LEP’s structure and governance is due to take place.
Peter brings a wealth of experience to the role after a lifetime working in the financial services sector, most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of Derbyshire Building Society
He is a past Chair of Derbyshire Business Link and Derby Cityscape URC; current Chair of the Derby Renaissance Board and is also a member of the Governing Council of the University of Derby. He has also chaired the Championing Derbyshire Olympic Legacy 2012 Committee and is a co-director of a small family-run security company.
Mr Richardson succeeds outgoing Chairman Colin Walton, who was in the role since the business-led partnership began in December 2010.
Mr Walton decided to step down following his retirement from the Derby-based trainmaker Bombardier earlier this year, where he was Chairman and Chief Country Representative in UK and Ireland.
“I am delighted to accept the role of Chairman of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership at an exciting time for the LEP. D2N2 has just received another £5m from the Regional Growth Fund which will enable it to launch a new fund aimed at assisting local businesses in driving growth, generating wealth and creating jobs locally and we will shortly be finalising our investments from our Growing Places Fund.”
Paying tribute to outgoing D2N2 Chairman Colin Walton and Board member David Robinson, Mr Richardson added: “Colin was an influential voice for our area with Government and worked hard to put the infrastructure in place for the LEP’s future success. David brought real drive and focus to unlocking our Enterprise Zone and developing our strategy.”
“During their tenure, the LEP has set its strategy, agreed the Nottinghamshire Enterprise Zone, opened its Growing Places Fund to promote investment in stalled development sites, prioritised transport improvements including the A453, the Midland Mainline and A38 junctions, developed a guide to help businesses to export and bid for skills and investment funds to support businesses.
“I want to build this capacity to deliver real benefits for businesses and people from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and our two great cities.”
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