Minutes:
The Chair provided an update on the recent changes to the Local Enterprise Partnership (The LEP). He noted that Mark Roberts, the Interim Chair of the LEP had stood down and that the Combined Authority was still in the process recruiting a new Chair who would also act as the Mayor’s business advisor.
The Chair explained that there were also plans for the Mayor’s Business Council which would bring a range of business leaders together. He and the leaders of the other district council were supportive of the efforts to bring businesses together from across West Yorkshire.
The Chair noted that there had been some changes to director posts since the last meeting of the Committee. He then proceeded to introduce Felix Kumi-Ampofo, the new Director of Inclusive Economy, Skills & Culture who had succeeded former Interim Director, Phil Witcherley in the role. The Chair then invited the Director to say a few words.
The Director thanked the Chair for the introduction. The Director noted that it was only his third day in his new role and, that while many aspects of the position were new to him, he continued to be supported by a strong team. The Director therefore had high expectations of what could be achieved by the Combined Authority. He noted that the items that were due for discussion by members were part of a comprehensive agenda and that the expectation was that significant improvements for the region could be achieved through the work of the Committee.
The Chair thanked the Director for his words. He then noted that it was the last meeting that would be attended by the former Interim Director, Phil Witcherley. He thanked Mr Witcherley for all his hard work and indicated that he had enjoyed working with him over the last year. The Chair then wished Mr Witcherley well in his future endeavours and invited him to say a few words.
Mr Witcherley indicated that it had been a pleasure to serve as the Interim Director for the Committee, especially as this had been the Committee with the most involvement with Private Sector representatives. Mr Witcherley noted that, during the last two years, the Committee had many substantial achievements including beginning the development of the economic strategy, developing several business programmes, consideration of innovative schemes such as Northern Gritstone and establishing the Manufacturing Taskforce. Mr Witcherley also indicated that the new Director already had a great track record of achievements and that the work of the Committee would therefore continue to accelerate.
The Chair then invited Mandy Ridyard, a Private Sector Representative who had worked closely with the former Interim Director, to say a few words.
Ms Ridyard proceeded to thank Mr Witcherley for the work he had undertaken on behalf of the Committee to ensure that the voice of business had been heard, especially in relation to the efforts that had been undertaken with the Manufacturing Taskforce and the individual programmes Mr Witcherley had brought before the members. Ms Ridyard had also welcomed the new Director to his position and indicated that all the Private Sector representatives were looking forward to working with him.