GBSLEP chair to stand down

Former Chamber president Tim Pile will step down from his role as chairman of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership in November.

Mr Pile (pictured) took up the position after predecessor Andy Street left the role to stand in the West Midlands mayor election in 2016.

Anita Bhalla, a non-executive board director of GBSLEP, will step in as interim chair until next year.

Mr Pile said: “It has been a huge honour and privilege to serve the region over the last four years alongside GBSLEP 's dedicated Board members who give their time and expertise to drive inclusive economic growth across the region.

“Of course, our work has built on the excellent foundations laid by Andy Street, GBSLEP 's first chair, past board directors and our Chief Executive Katie Trout who has been with the organisation since it was established 10 years ago.

“I would also like thank the past and current executive team who have worked tirelessly to fulfil GBSLEP 's vision of creating the best city-region by devising and delivering projects that create jobs and better places for all of us to work and live in.

“I am particularly proud of the way in which GBSLEP has continued to deliver on its core commitment of accelerating growth in priority sectors whilst delivering capital projects throughout the pandemic.

“As well as this, within weeks of the first national lockdown, a Covid 19 Taskforce was formed and our Step Forward programme started delivering bespoke packages of help for businesses in response to economic shock of the pandemic. ”

Anita Bhalla said: “Tim has led GBSLEP with integrity, dedication and commitment over the last four years.

“His work in bringing together business, local government and academic partners has resulted in investments that have boosted the region 's economy.

“Before the pandemic hit, our economy had grown twice that of the average major English city-regions since 2010 - a phenomenal achievement.

“Shortly after the first national lockdown last year, Tim steered the board and executive into taking swift action to mitigate the immediate impact of the pandemic on businesses across the region.

“As well as his clear direction he also kept GBSLEP on track to deliver core commitments and capital investments. His outlook and ambition have put GBSLEP in the strong position of playing a role in economic recovery based on locally led business intelligence - a remarkable achievement in unprecedented times. '

“I know leaving GBSLEP has been a difficult decision. On behalf of the board and executive, I would like to thank him for his incredible contribution in driving inclusive economic growth across the region. ”