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The LEP Board

Bringing together local authorities with private sector expertise to support communities and deliver growth

The Marches LEP Board includes the leaders of the three local authorities of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, chairs of the region’s Business Boards, and representatives from key sectors across the Marches.

About the LEP board

Led by chair Sonia Roberts, The Marches LEP Board includes the leaders of the three local authorities of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin as well as the chairs of Herefordshire Business Board, Shropshire Business Board and Telford Business Board. The board includes champions and representatives from the following sectors: Higher education, skills, community and voluntary, manufacturing, food and drink, business and professional services, construction and SMEs.

The Marches LEP has adopted a streamlined structure which provides clarity and speedy governance, whilst embracing a wide degree of expert opinion and knowledge. Sector specific support and expertise is vital to the success of the work of the Marches LEP and advisory groups have been set up which support this. The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership holds regular board meetings throughout the year.

Also working on behalf of the Marches LEP Board is a subsidiary board for the management of the Enterprise Zone in Herefordshire, at Skylon Park.

Related content:

View LEP board meetings

 

The Marches LEP Board Terms of Reference Download icon Record of Attendance at Marches LEP Board Meetings Download icon

LEP board members (now disbanded)

Cllr Graham Biggs

Cllr Graham Biggs acts as Cllr Jonathan Lester’s alternate on The Marches LEP Board. Graham is the Herefordshire Council..

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Cllr Jonathan Lester

Jonathan Lester joins the LEP Board as the Leader of Herefordshire Council. Jonathan was first elected to the council..

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Sonia Roberts MBE

Sonia became Chair in November 2022. She is the champion for both diversity and the community & voluntary sector and..

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Cllr Dean Carroll

Councillor Carroll acts as Councillor Lezley Picton’s alternate on The Marches LEP Board. Dean is Portfolio Holder for Growth &..

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Cllr Lee Carter

Cllr Lee Carter is the Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Place (the Economy and Neighbourhood Services)...

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Dr Simone Clarke

Simone joined the LEP Board in June 2023 and is the Higher Education Champion and chairs the LEPs Higher Education..

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Gordon Coppock

Gordon Coppock joined the Marches LEP board as the partnership’s energy and net zero champion...

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Dave Courteen

Dave is founder and managing director of Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Ltd, and is small business champion on the..

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Clare Fenton

Clare is the chair of the Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association. She has been involved in the construction industry..

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Alex Green

Alex is a founder and director of Radfield Home Care, a company that provides care for people living in their..

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Graham Guest

Graham Guest is the Marches LEP’s Skills Champion and was appointed to the Board in November 2021...

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Paul Kalinauckas

Paul has been a part of The Marches LEP board since May 2018 and is the Access to Finance Champion...

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Frank Myers MBE

Serving on The Marches LEP board since November 2014, Frank is also chairman of Herefordshire Business Board and a member..

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Cllr Richard Overton

Councillor Overton acts as Councillor Lee Carter's alternate on The Marches LEP Board. Richard is Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member..

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Cllr Lezley Picton

Lezley Picton joins the board of the Marches LEP as the leader of Shropshire Council. Lezley was first elected to..

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Will Westley

Will Westley joined The Marches LEP board in July 2021 after being appointed chair of Telford Business Board Community Interest..

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Sara Williams

Sara was appointed to The Marches LEP board in July 2019. With a career forged in the Marches cluster, Sara brings..

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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