Deputy chair appointed to new Hull and East Yorkshire LEP

In anticipation of the formal creation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) on 1 April 2021, James Newman, the chair designate of the new LEP, has appointed Stephen Parnaby OBE as deputy chair following an independent selection process led by Thomas Martin, chair of the Hull and East Riding Business Engagement Board, which included the leaders of Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Stephen is currently interim chair of the Humber LEP which, due to Government requirements on LEP membership and boundaries, is due to end its operations on 31 March 2021.

Mr Parnaby said: ‘’I am delighted to be asked to contribute to the new Hull and East Yorkshire LEP in the position as deputy chair. Having discussed the role with the newly-appointed chair, James Newman, I am confident we can work together to make the new LEP a real force in the area and on the regional and national stage. James has a huge experience of LEPs as a former chair of the Sheffield City Region LEP and coupled with my local knowledge, will create the right balance going forward. I will be working with James on the formation of the new LEP and ensuring a smooth transition and closure of the Humber LEP.”

James Newman said: “I am delighted that Stephen has accepted the invitation to become the deputy chair of the new LEP. His vast experience as both a political leader in the region as well as being the current chair of the Humber LEP, will be invaluable to me as I take up my new role and get to know the region better over the next few months. There will inevitably be a transition period between the old and the new LEPs, to which Stephen will be able to make a significant contribution.

“Stephen’s role will also be important in making sure we continue the excellent work of the current Humber LEP and work closely with our colleagues across the Humber Estuary, where our combined assets and expertise are of national importance.”

Councillor Richard Burton, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We welcome the appointment of Stephen to his new role as deputy chair of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. His expert knowledge of the region and of the local economy has been invaluable in driving the area forward, both as the interim chair of the Humber LEP and formerly in his capacity as leader of this council.

“Working alongside the new chair of the LEP, James Newman, we feel that Hull and the East Riding can build on the many successes of the Humber LEP and meet the challenges and the opportunities ahead, so that the economies of both Hull and the East Riding can flourish and prosper."

Councillor Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, said: “We at Hull City Council welcome the appointment of Stephen Parnaby as deputy chair of the new Hull and East Yorkshire LEP. As former leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Stephen is someone we know well and someone I have personally enjoyed a good relationship with over many years. Stephen also has an excellent understanding of the business landscape across the region, so I am sure he will prove to be a pillar of support to James Newman as this exciting partnership gets under way.”