Sir Peter Rigby has formally taken over the chairmanship of The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Sir Peter, whose Specialist Computer Holdings is the largest privately-owned IT company in Europe, agreed to accept the post after a unanimous vote at its last board meeting.
The LEP board, which is a private-public sector partnership designed to help build the economy and prosperity of the local area, unanimously accepted a new constitution which will come into force by the end of the week.
It also agreed a new code of conduct for board members and is now starting the hunt for two new directors.
Sir Peter told the board that it was essential that the LEP focused on a smaller number of key objectives which would have a significant impact on the prosperity of Coventry and Warwickshire.
“It is key that we drive forward and that we are bold,” he said. “We have to remember why the LEPs were formed – to deliver economic growth, create wealth and improve prosperity for our area. Everything we do has to be focused to that end.
“We have to strengthen our links with other LEPs so not only can we share common practice but we can lobby the Government on regional issues.
“If we are successful then I believe we really can make a difference.”
The formal constitution covers areas such as conflicts of interest. Any member who could potentially have a conflict will withdraw from giving opinion and will not be allowed to vote or influence a vote on that issue.
A nominations committee will also be formed to identify two private sector directors to fill two vacancies, while the range and role of the LEPs’ business groups will also be refocused in the next few months.
George Gillespie, CEO of MIRA and a LEP board member, said Sir Peter’s first board meeting as chair had been well received.
He said: “It is clear Sir Peter knows what the LEP is capable of achieving and how it can best succeed.
“He is determined that the organisation makes a telling difference to Coventry and Warwickshire.
“Having a formal constitution which sets out what is expected of board members and being a legal entity are both positive steps.
“He has already put in a tremendous amount of work and we really hit the ground running.”
