I have recently joined the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Board of Directors as SME Champion and I have had a really positive experience so far.

It has been great to meet Ruth Carver and my fellow board members, and I’ve had the opportunity to see all the amazing work the LEP is doing through board meetings and talking to my fellow directors. 

I have lived in Lincolnshire for six years and so far, I have had a fantastic experience. Because I love it here so much, I want to give back to the community and feel that I have a duty to help the area as much as I can. 

I am proud of Greater Lincolnshire and feel that I am already very involved with the local community as CEO of Lincoln City Football Club and a Director of Lincolnshire County FA. By joining the Greater Lincolnshire LEP board, I hope to bring my experience to the table and help to create great opportunities for the area. 

Across all of my roles I am entrepreneurial and have an ‘always find a way’ attitude which I think aligns with the values of the LEP, which promotes innovation and problem solving. Greater Lincolnshire in general is very resourceful, which is something I relate to, and I look forward to adding value to the LEP’s agendas. 

My role as CEO of an SME involves working with regional and national companies that are often SMEs as well. This experience allows me to have a pretty good idea of common challenges they face and the general feelings they harbour towards policy. During my time at the LEP I will ensure that I provide a voice for SMEs in board meetings and provide that perspective when it comes to making big decisions. 

Another goal of mine during my time as Director is to promote Greater Lincolnshire as much as I can. I want to help raise the profile of all the amazing things we have going on here, which is a lot more than we are given credit for.  

I regularly meet with politicians, both locally and at Westminster, and I will ensure that Greater Lincolnshire gets a fair deal when it comes to tackling challenges. As a brand ambassador for the area, I will do my best to show the powers that be how great it is. 

My work at Lincoln City also means I regularly travel all over the country and I will be championing Lincolnshire the whole time, making sure that everyone knows all about the great opportunities we have here. 

I am honoured to join the Board of Directors and I’m excited to get stuck into my role. It is already clear to see the positive culture created by Ruth Carver and Pat Doody, and I know this will continue to thrive under Neal Juster.