Member Article

Leeds City Region appoint new director

The Leeds City Region LEP has appointed a Director to help support its plan for the city region’s economy.

Ben Rimmington joins the LEP from the Department of Business Innovation and Skills, where he was Deputy Director for Economic Development.

He has been involved in leading the Government’s economic plans, including the establishment of LEPs and enterprise zones, the roll-out of the Department’s BIS Local network and supporting the development of city deals.

Leeds City Region LEP Chair, Neil McLean, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to appoint someone of Ben’s calibre to work with the Board to deliver our economic plan.

“Ben brings with him an exceptional understanding of economic development and experience of working within the highest levels of government and with business. He will be a great asset in helping us achieve our vision of making this a globally competitive city region.”

Ben’s previous civil service appointments include managing the Government’s relationship with the automotive industry, leading negotiations on EU employment law issues including the Working Time Directive, and work on energy, competition and better regulation policy.

Commenting on his appointment, Ben added: “I am delighted to have been given the chance to apply my experience of working between national government and business to help drive the economic development of a part of the world that means a lot to me.

“The LEP has already made great strides since its establishment, and I am looking forward enormously to helping Neil, the board and Council leaders realise the City Region’s full economic potential.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .