New Year, New Directors Join LEP Board

Three industry leaders and a senior officer at Lincolnshire County Council have joined the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Board of Directors following a successful recruitment campaign last year.

Debbie Barnes OBE, Head of Paid Service at Lincolnshire County Council, Gary Headland, CEO of Lincoln College, Mrs Nick Worboys, Director of Development and Sales at Longhurst Group, and Sarah Louise Fairburn, Brand Director at Fairburn Eggs, have all joined the board.

The new members will work with the 17-member board in providing a strategic overview of the LEP’s work across the area and help to set a long-term vision for Greater Lincolnshire’s economy.

All 38 LEPs in England were instructed by the Government last year to increase female board representation, and the recruitment campaign is being hailed as a success after three women were appointed.

Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, commented: “I’m pleased to welcome Debbie, Gary, Nick and Sarah Louise to the board. I am confident that they will provide invaluable contributions, particularly in their areas of expertise, in helping to progress the LEP’s strategic agenda.

“We received many credible applications, particularly from female leaders, and I would like to personally thank them all for their keen interest.

“It is important for the LEP that our board has a wide range of industry representatives and reflects Lincolnshire’s diverse business community. Our four new members will help us with the work we’re already undertaking in building a stronger economy for Greater Lincolnshire.”

The LEP received 26 board applications and shortlisted six candidates for interview.  

Debbie Barnes said: "An important part of the county council's work is supporting local businesses and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of our local economy.

“We've long worked with the LEP to better achieve those aims, and I look forward to continuing our close relationship in this new role."

Gary Headland, who is also the new Chairman of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted to join the Board of Directors of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

“In my day job, and in a range of other business-related roles that I have with the Institute of Directors, Chamber of Commerce and Midlands Engine, I work very closely with businesses to support them and understand issues and risks related to good governance, growth, productivity and exporting.

“I am pleased to be able to continue to serve businesses across our region in this exciting new role working alongside other dedicated regional business leaders.”

Nick Worboys will represent the housing and development sector – one of the LEP’s priority themes - on the board.

“Having been born in Lincolnshire to a farming family and spent most of my working life within the housing sector, I have a real passion for the county,” said Nick.

“With my skillset in housing management, development and sales, I am delighted to be working with the LEP and helping to steer its long-term plan for Lincolnshire’s housing sector.

“However, I am also really looking forward to the opportunity to drive the bigger picture and push the wider work of the LEP, ensuring future economic growth and prosperity for our brilliant county.”

Sarah Louise Fairburn will provide the board will invaluable insight into Lincolnshire’s growing food industry – a priority sector for the LEP.

“I am really looking forward to helping the LEP to promote the many benefits of doing business in our great county.

“As someone who helps run one of Lincolnshire’s largest farming and food firms, I have first-hand experience of many of the issues and opportunities being faced by local companies in these exciting yet ever-changing economic times.

“Our region should be really proud of what it has achieved, and I can’t wait to start getting more involved in supporting its plans for further economic growth and prosperity.”