Member Article

LEP seniors to take up new role with Atom bank

Edward Twiddy will be moving to take up a new post with Atom bank in May at the end of his two secondment from HM Treasury as director of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

He will be joined at the bank by his deputy director Sophie Haagensen, the former Department for Work and Pensions woman who joined the LEP in February.

Paul Woolston, chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership said: “The arrival of Atom in the North East is great news and whilst we will miss his leadership and energy at the Local Enterprise Partnership I am delighted for Edward.

“Over the last two years Edward has changed the debate about the future of the area and demonstrated how a partnership of business, education and political leaders can deliver strategic leadership as well as immediate benefits and investment.

“Edward has made an outstanding contribution to the region and I believe his efforts will continue to pay dividends for many years to come.”

The North East LEP has just submitted its strategic economic plan to government and is now moving through a negotiation with departments to execution of the plan and the funding associated with it.

Edward Twiddy’s role will be filled as quickly as possible.

Paul Woolston added: “As we move forward we’ll also make sure that the resources are there to provide a strong negotiating team and the executive functions for our innovation, skills and other programmes.

“We have an excellent group of people at the North East LEP with many secondees alongside the core team. No-one who has worked with them could think that we’re short of talent and ability.

“The individuals who created the programmes in our strategic plan are all there to continue their work on skills, innovation, transport and other key sectors.

“The enterprise partnership’s strategic plan makes it clear that the interface between the combined authority and the LEP Board will be achieved by aligned executive support and joint working arrangements to ensure delivery against priorities.”

Edward Twiddy said: “The enterprise partnership we have in the North East is strong. We have an excellent board and the team is dealing with some hugely exciting investments.

“The primary task ahead is to deliver on our strategic plan which has already caught the attention and imagination of government.

“More broadly, whilst there is much to do to ensure that growth in the North East is truly inclusive, the economy is growing strongly with the area well set to continue its progress as a competitive and constantly evolving part of the national and European economy.

“I’ll miss the team very much as well as the stakeholders and the partners I’ve got to know. I am, of course, staying in the area and will maintain connections in my new role with Atom.”

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