Lead Envoy role for SEMLEP

4th Oct 2017
envoy

Our executive chair has been unveiled as Chair of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) Envoy scheme.

Sara Homer, from Brackmills Industrial Estate Business Improvement District (BID), will now lead and shape the future of SEMLEP’s Envoy programme – a select cohort of influential business leaders from a variety of industry sectors across the South East Midlands.

As advocates for SEMLEP to their peers, to government and to inward investors, Envoys are billed by the LEP as being “enthusiastic about the opportunities and unique relationships that can be brought together through SEMLEP and its role in the local economy”.

Sara Homer (pictured left with Stephen Catchpole said: “It is a privilege to have been asked to take on this role and I look forward to working with my fellow Envoys to promote all that is excellent about the South East Midlands – an area in the heart of the UK which excels in sectors including logistics, manufacturing, motorsport, the arts and so much more.

“As well as working to promote and celebrate the whole of the South Midlands I look forward to welcoming Envoys to Brackmills Industrial Estate, a thriving logistics hub on the edge of Northampton which is home to over 150 companies and big brands including John Lewis, Panasonic, Dachser and Maritime Transport.”

SEMLEP currently has 40 Envoys and Sara, working with SEMLEP’s Chief Executive Stephen Catchpole, will seek to bring further business leaders and influencers on board.

Stephen said: Our economy is growing and has the potential to grow faster. Our Envoys play an important role in helping our area to achieve its full potential as we respond to the challenges of Brexit and opportunities presented in developing the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge Growth Corridor.

“Envoys work directly with us to promote our area’s key sector strengths, identify barriers to growth and act as critical friends to ensure that SEMLEP’s priorities continue to be shaped by a strong business voice.

Current SEMLEP Envoys represent companies including Abbeygate Developments, Barclays, Brackmills BID, Cosworth, EMW, Fujifilm, General Motors, Hayward Tyler, HomeRetail Group, ICAEW, Lockheed Martin, Lloyds Banking, Mazars, PwC, Prodrive, Santander and Unilever.

Sara added: “It is important all sectors are represented which is why my first appointment has been Daniel Coyle from the Luton based Ryebridge Construction. Daniel is committed to construction and is already working closely with Luton Borough Council and other businesses to promote the sector to school leavers and people seeking a new career.”