Sheffield City Region LEP appoints global business leader as new Chair

Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) hasannounced the appointment of Sir Nigel Knowles, Global Co-Chairman of DLA Piper, as its new LEP Chair.

Sir Nigel, who will take on the new role from the end of the year, said: “Sheffield City Region has positioned itself at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse over the last few years, winning deal after deal with government and working in partnership to deliver growth and jobs in the local economy.

“When the opportunity to play a leading part in the future of Sheffield City Region came about, I realised that this was a chance to make a difference to an area that has played a huge part in my life and to the development of DLA Piper.

“I believe that the LEP has a clear vision, a strategy for achieving it and team of people truly committed to achieving its goals. I hope that my skills and experience, in transforming a Yorkshire law firm into a global business, can be used to drive forward these goals and economic ambitions.

“As Chair of Sheffield City Region LEP I look forward to furthering relations with colleagues at Whitehall, and at LEPs in Leeds, Manchester and across the North to build a better connected and prosperous Northern Powerhouse.”

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, LEP board member and Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, added: “I look forward to welcoming Sir Nigel as new Chair of our LEP board. I am confident that his vast experience, knowledge and business acumen will help to drive forward our economic agenda.

“On behalf of the entire LEP Board, I would also like to thank outgoing LEP Chairman James Newman for his role in the creation of the LEP and his incredible contribution to the City Region over the past five years. He leaves our LEP in excellent shape.”

LEP Board Member Nigel Brewster and co-chair of the recruitment panel, also commented: “I look forward to welcoming Sir Nigel to the LEP Board in December and I know that his appointment will be welcomed by private sector members and partners across Sheffield City Region. Sir Nigel will bring a wealth of experience to the board as we take forward our agenda to deliver projects which grow the economy and create jobs in Sheffield City Region.”

Outgoing LEP Chairman James Newman concluded: “The LEP Board has made an excellent choice and I believe that Sir Nigel will be a worthy successor to me as LEP Chairman. I wish him all the best in his new role and will do all I can to support him.

“As LEP Chairman since its formation in 2010, I have been privileged to lead the organisation as it has developed and gone from strength-to-strength and I am truly proud of what has been achieved for the City Region.”