Steve Fogg to stand down as LEP chair

Steve Fogg is to stand down as chairman of Lancashire Enterprise Partnership after being named the next chair of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Steve began his career as an apprentice at BAE Systems and worked his way up to the position of managing director of corporate shared services and a member of the UK management board at the organisation.

He replaced Edwin Booth, who had been the chair of the LEP through its first seven years, in 2019.

David Taylor will take over as interim chair with immediate effect, and the timeline for appointing a full-time replacement will be announced shortly.

David Taylor said: "I want to thank Steve for everything he has done for the LEP during his stewardship. His tenure as chair has seen the Lancashire economy face the unprecedented challenges of Brexit uncertainty, the COVID pandemic and a recession. Throughout these trying times, he has remained steadfast in his determination to see the Lancashire economy recover and grow.

"Our loss is undoubtedly the NHS’s gain. I am delighted that Steve will be able to use his considerable business experience and extensive leadership skills to help such an important public service in these difficult times."

Steve Fogg said: "I will be sad to say goodbye to the LEP. My time as chair has coincided with some of the most challenging times that the Lancashire economy has seen and I will always remain a champion and advocate for Lancashire businesses and its people.

"I am particularly proud of all the work that the LEP has done in developing a new strategic framework, the establishment of business-led sector groups and encouraging and delivering investment for growth, through projects such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, as well as securing a further £34.1m for Lancashire from the Government's Getting Building Fund."

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