Leading business women wanted for key roles

Leading businesswomen are being urged to step forward and play their part in driving the area’s economic growth.

The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has vacancies for two new board members and says it is particularly keen to hear from excellent female business leaders for the roles.

The LEP – which covers Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin – says women are currently under-represented on its board as are the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Marches LEP director Gill Hamer said: “It is vital that we properly reflect the communities we serve and we are therefore very keen to improve gender equality on our board.

“The two vacancies will provide an excellent opportunity for the right people to be involved in developing the strategy and plans which will take our region forward over the coming years and ensure our continued prosperity. These are important, strategic roles and so we are particularly keen to hear from business leaders and board level directors who will be inspirational and have the credibility to champion the Marches at both regional and national levels.

“We have been challenged by the Government to ensure a third of our board is made up of women. We are taking achieving this target very seriously and hope that this recruitment campaign will reflect that.”

Marches LEP chairman Graham Wynn added: “There could not be a better time for leading businesswomen to join the board. We are currently finalising our new Strategic Economic Plan and will shortly start work on an ambitious Local Industrial Strategy which will play such a vital part in delivering growth over the coming years.

“The Marches has a national reputation as a great place to do business and a great place to live and our new board members will have the opportunity to play a leading part in shaping its future.”

Applicants should have a strong knowledge or expertise in the region’s industry and either live or work in the Marches. The board meets six times a year and membership will be for a minimum of two years on a voluntary basis.

Expressions of interest should be emailed along with a short biography or CV to Gill Hamer at gill.hamer@marcheslep.org.uk by 12.00pm on March 28. To find out more about the roles call Gill Hamer on 01743 462026.

Pictured: The Marches LEP’s annual report was launched in Westminster last year