A Message from the Chairman
This is an important year for Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). In 2019, the LEP will drive forward work to deliver our new Strategic Economic Plan, Gatwick 360, and will produce the area’s first Local Industrial Strategy. We also have an ambitious vision for the towns and cities in the Coast to Capital area to be known around the world as fantastic places to live, to grow and succeed, and for the area to become the most dynamic non-city region in England, centred around a highly successful Gatwick Airport.
Our outgoing Vice Chair, Steve Allen, leaves our partnership in a very strong place. We need an outstanding Vice Chair to build on his work, and to help lead us through the exciting times ahead.
Our Local Industrial strategy will be firmly based in the strengths that already exist in the region and will focus on our priorities including skills, transport, digital networks and innovation. We represent a diverse area and we will be working to deliver prosperous urban centres whilst prioritising investing in sustainable growth. We are ambitious to become a strong competitor in a global economy, raising the profile of our area and showcasing it to the world is also a key priority.
The LEP is working to develop and grow the area’s economy. We are developing business infrastructure and support to help the businesses that are based here to create good jobs that will retain and develop the skills of our people. We also want to attract new businesses to locate here to generate further income for the economy, and add value to our business supply chains.
The roles of the Vice Chair will require strong leadership, a strategic and collaborative approach and hard work to make sure we get this right.
LEP Board members come from different backgrounds across the area and offer a breadth of industry knowledge and expertise. I am keen to hear from people that can build on this diversity. I invite you to bring your ideas, your skills and your ambition.
If you would like to get involved, I would love to hear from you.
Tim Wates, Coast to Capital Chairman
Our Organisation
Coast to Capital is one of 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across England – but the only one lucky enough to be responsible for driving the economic growth and sustainable success of this beautiful, vibrant and exceptionally well connected region.
As a LEP, we are here to provide strategic leadership, connect business with support and act as a catalyst for transformational change. As an ambitious and professional business-led collaboration between the private, public and education sectors we work in partnership to deliver a successful strategy for economic growth.
Our Strategy – Gatwick 360
In July 2018 we published Gatwick 360, our new Strategic Economic Plan, which sets out our vision for the area by 2030. In it we describe our eight priorities to achieve our vision, providing strong leadership and succeeding together with our partners.
Our vision by 2030 is for the towns and cities in the Coast to Capital area to be known around the world as fantastic places to live, to grow and succeed and for the area to become the most dynamic non-city region in England, centred around a highly successful Gatwick Airport.
Our eight economic priorities are to:
- Deliver prosperous urban centres
- Develop business infrastructure and support
- Invest in sustainable growth
- Create skills for the future
- Pioneer innovation in core strengths
- Promote better transport and mobility
- Improve digital network capability
- Build a strong national and international identity
Delivering on the pledges we make in Gatwick 360 now forms a distinct programme for the organisation. Through Gatwick 360 we will negotiate a strong future relationship with Government for our area, through a Local Industrial Strategy.
About the role
We are seeking an outstanding Vice Chair in order to help lead the region and meet our ambitious vision set out in Gatwick 360. The role of the Vice Chair is key in supporting the LEP Chair and the delivery of our objectives. We are keen to hear from outstanding individuals who are capable of representing businesses across our entire area passionate about driving forward our economic growth.
Remuneration: The post is not remunerated, although reasonable travel and expenses will be paid
Term Length: Three years with the potential to renew for one further term
Anticipated Time Commitment: One to two days per month
Diversity
We are committed to creating an inclusive organisation that promotes and values diversity. As such, we welcome applications from senior business figures from under-represented groups and encourage female business leaders to apply.
For the full job description including responsibilities, person specification, terms and conditions and information on how to apply please visit www.coast2capital.org.uk/work-for-us
