Cumbria LEP Seeks Advanced Manufacturing Business Leader
LEADERS from advanced manufacturing businesses across Cumbria are being encouraged to play their part in the future growth of the sector and the region.
Business leaders are being invited to apply to become the latest Board member at Cumbria LEP, the county’s business-led economic partnership responsible for supporting economic growth. The application process is now open – with the team specifically looking for a senior leader from the advanced manufacturing sector.
It comes as the LEP seeks to shine a light on the manufacturing opportunities in Cumbria, such as Carlisle’s Kingmoor Park making the shortlist for the Heavy Pressure Vessel manufacturing facility to support the rollout of Rolls-Royce SMR’s Small Modular Reactor programme.
Recent years have seen steady growth in advanced manufacturing in the county, which accounts for 23% of Cumbria’s economy. The region’s strengths include wood and paper products, as well as support for engineering projects within energy, marine, rubber and food produce.
Further growth is likely to come from the significant opportunities related to clean energy alongside new businesses starting up in Cumbria, as well as the expansion of existing enterprises.
Lord Inglewood, Chair of Cumbria LEP, said:
“Cumbria excels at advanced manufacturing and the sector’s contribution to our economy continues to grow. Opportunities are not only limited to the big manufacturers based here, but in the supporting supply chains – with many of those benefiting being the small and medium businesses that create jobs across our county.
“Our Board will continue to the champion the sector and make clear recommendations to Government to address both the challenges and opportunities of growing our manufacturing base. That’s why we are after a highly experienced sector leader, who not only has first-hand experience of the critical issues facing business investing here, but is passionate about the future of Cumbria and wants to play a part in its economic success.”
The successful applicant will play an essential role in supporting local businesses to navigate the challenges of today, as well as being a critical voice to Government on the issues facing manufacturing business in Cumbria.
The LEP is looking for applicants:
- To have had significant experience and a successful track record as an owner or senior executive in a related advanced manufacturing business operating in Cumbria
- To demonstrate strategic leadership and corporate governance skills to operate at Board level
- A genuine passion and commitment to work in the best interests of Cumbria and its economy
The LEP is also interested in business leaders that have serious plans to decarbonise their businesses to join its newly formed Business Decarbonisation Strategy Group.
How to apply:
The advanced manufacturing role is likely to require a time commitment of one day per month. Board appointments are for a three-year term, with the option for re-appointment for a further three-year period.
Applicants wishing to put themselves forward as a private sector Board member should provide a current CV with a covering letter outlining their skills and qualities that they can bring to the LEP and why they are interested in joining the Board. Applicants need to be actively involved in a Cumbrian business.
Applications, should be marked ‘Confidential – Governance Appointments’ and emailed to Jo Lappin, Chief Executive at jo.lappin@thecumbrialep.co.uk.
The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Friday, 4 November.
Applicants interested in joining the Business Decarbonisation Strategy Group should also forward their CVs marked ‘Confidential – Business Decarbonisation Strategy Group’ to Jo Lappin, Chief Executive at jo.lappin@thecumbrialep.co.uk.