The functions of Local Enterprise Partnerships moved over to upper tier local authorities, such as county councils, earlier this year. A Government requirement of the transition has been for Hampshire County Council to create the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board – bringing together representatives from local government, education, and business to help inform County Council decisions in relation to economic development and skills to ensure the best outcomes for local people.
County Council Leader, Councillor Nick Adams-King said: “I am confident that the new Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board comprises members that who will bring significant influence and experience from across their sectors to the crucial work of the Board and in doing so, provide a strong business voice, cross-sector partnership and the clear democratic accountability sought by Government as part of the transfer of former LEP responsibilities into upper tier authorities.
“Hampshire County Council is very proud to be working in partnership with businesses, local authorities and the education and skills community to drive economic growth for the wider benefit of the people, businesses, institutions, and the environment of Hampshire, and each of our new Board members brings a firm commitment to helping make a positive difference to Hampshire’s future.
“I look forward to progressing further appointments in the coming weeks to complete our full representation across the areas of local government, higher and further education. I’m pleased that there has been a great deal of enthusiasm from Hampshire businesses for the new partnership arrangements. I’m looking forward to attending the first meeting of the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board in June and working closely with members of this Board and the Joint Leaders’ Board in the coming months to further develop our plans for boosting economic growth, innovation and skills in Hampshire.
“This collective breadth of strategic leadership and insight will be invaluable to informing the County Council’s work, and in particular, the delivery of the Hampshire 2050 Vision which aims to make the county an even better place to live, learn, work, play, visit and do business.”
To date, appointments to the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board are as follows:
Local Government
• Councillor Nick Adams-King, Hampshire County Council - Chair of the Board
• Councillor Phil North, Test Valley Borough Council - Chair of Joint Leaders Board (representing the Leaders of all district and borough councils in Hampshire)
• Councillor Martin Tod, Winchester City Council - Nominated by Joint Leaders Board
• Vacant - To be nominated by the Joint Leaders Board
Business Representative Organisations
• Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
• Nicola Kildunne, Federation of Small Businesses
Business/Enterprise
• Joanna Butler, Frank Butler Farms Ltd
• Barney Ely, Hays Recruitment
• Laura Reed, Marwell Zoo
• Mark Smith, University of Southampton
• Fiona Stilwell, PETA
• Simon Watson, Milestones Infrastructure
• Alastair Welch, Associated British Ports
• Paul West, Kelda Showers
Higher Education
• Vacant - Nominated by Hampshire based HE Vice-Chancellors as their representative
Further Education
• Vacant - Nominated by Hampshire FE Principals Group as their representative
Other
• James Hassett, Solent Freeport
The first meeting of the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board will take place on 11 June 2024.
Read more about the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership.