BAE Systems man is the new chairman of Lancashire Enterprise Partnership

He takes over from Edwin Booth, the LEP’s first chairman, who stepped down at the end of 2018 after a seven-year tenure which saw the county secure more than £1bn of investment.

David Taylor, who has since been acting chairman said: “I look forward to welcoming Steve to the role of chairman of the LEP and supporting him in my role as deputy. I am confident that the LEP will go from strength to strength under his stewardship.”

Steve Fogg has a wealth of experience from a career forged at BAE Systems, from apprentice to engineering, then moving through operations and programme management to his current role.

He also holds various executive and non-executive board membership roles, including Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership, chairman of the Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network, member of the Worldskills Advisory Group on Social Mobility, Diversity and Inclusion and is a member of the National Apprentice Ambassador network.

Steve said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a great team from the public and private sector to make a difference for Lancashire and I am honoured to have been selected.”

The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership is a strategic collaboration between business, universities and local councils which directs economic growth and drives job creation, formed in 2011.

The LEP is now developing a new Local Industrial Strategy which will have the county’s people and places at its core, with the focus on improvement and performance of Lancashire’s key towns and cities.

Leader of Lancashire County l, Coun Geoff Driver, said: “It’s an exciting time for the county, with the public and private sector coming together to attract investment, grow our economy and bring highly-skilled jobs to the county.

“We warmly welcome Steve to his new role, and look forward to continuing our work with the LEP. It’s vital that the public sector listens to the private sector to understand their requirements and look at how we can support them.”