A NEW interim chairman has been appointed for an authority that supports economic growth in the West of England.

Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, is taking over the reins at the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) following an April Board meeting.

He said that he looks forward to working with the new West of England Combined Authority mayor in the near future.

“The West of England LEP has brought together the best of business and local councils providing a strong, powerful voice for the area,” he said.

“We have unrivalled business strengths, a well-qualified workforce and world-class academic research.

“I look forward to working with the new Combined Authority Mayor to ensure this continues without interruption.”

The West of England LEP works together with business and councils to support economic growth and attract new jobs and investment to South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding countryside.

The role of the LEP and the position of the LEP Chair will continue in the new West of England Combined Authority.  

Work is ongoing to ensure all parts of the business community are represented across the four council areas on the LEP Board.