LEP appoints four new board members

The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership has appointed new members to its board of directors, including specialists who will drive forward the county's digital and manufacturing agendas.

The four new appointees are Kam Kothia, CEO of Blackburn-based Time2 Technology, Annette Weekes, managing director of Nelson-based PDS CNC Engineering, Andrew Pettinger, a partner in the Infrastructure, Projects and Energy practice at Addleshaw Goddard LLP, and Coun Michael Green, cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning on Lancashire County Council.

David Taylor, the organisation's chair, said: "I am delighted to welcome four talented new colleagues to the board of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. They have a wealth of experience in business and local government and will bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to the work of the board. I look forward to working with them over the coming weeks and months."

Kam Kothia said: "I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the LEP board, and to chairing the LEP’s Digital Sector Group. Lancashire’s technology and digital sector has a great deal to contribute to the county’s economy and future growth but faces unique challenges.

"I relish the opportunity to bring together industry leaders from across the county and beyond to make sure we face those challenges head-on and develop a plan for the sector so it is well placed to not just survive adversity today but to maximise emerging opportunities tomorrow."

Annette Weekes said: "I am pleased to have been invited to join the board of the LEP, and I am particularly excited to be working with the LEP’s Manufacturing Sector Group as we set out a robust, evidence-led vision for the future of the sector in the county.

"Lancashire is at the heart of UK manufacturing and engineering, and makes a huge contribution to the nation’s balance of trade by exporting cutting-edge goods and products. It is vital that we protect jobs and businesses in the sector during the current crisis as well as shaping a strong strategy for recovery and growth. The LEP board is committed to the continued success of the Lancashire economy, and I look forward to playing my part."

Andrew Pettinger said: "I served Lancashire Enterprise Partnership as interim chief executive in 2019/20 and I am delighted to be now joining the Board.

"The LEP board brings together leading figures from business, local government and academia and it is an honour to have been invited to join their number and have the opportunity to help promote economic growth in Lancashire."

The new board members formally took up their roles at the start of February 2021.