York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership launches a campaign to find its next chair as entrepreneur David Kerfoot gets ready to step down

Mr Kerfoot, who has been involved in the board since the LEP’s inception in 2010, took over as chair two years ago following the death of his predecessor, Barry Dodds in a helicopter crash.

His term of office is due to come to an end in March next year and applications are now being invited to find his successor.

Since 2014, the Y&NY LEP, which is one of 38 in England, has invested a total of £230m to support business, infrastructure, and skills across the region including housing, transport, flood alleviation, social inclusion and workforce development.

A business-led partnership between the private sector, local authorities, universities and colleges across York and North Yorkshire, it said it is looking for applications from “dynamic and experienced” business leaders with “drive, energy and a passion” for York and North Yorkshire.

Mr Kerfoot said the role needed someone who is “prepared to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in”.

“The LEP is looking for a successful business leader who has a knowledge and passion for York and North Yorkshire and who is committed to what the LEP is trying to achieve,” he said.

The Y&NY LEP has said it has an “ambitious vision” for the region on reaching carbon negative status as well as working for devolved powers.

It said the chair will have the opportunity to be a part of the proposed devolution deal negotiations for York and North Yorkshire which could potentially provide £2.4 billion of investment in the region over the next 30 years helping to drive the region’s recovery and future growth.

“The new chair will need to provide clear, strong, visible leadership and get out and about and talk to people and businesses across the region about what they need,” Mr Kerfoot said.

He added that during his time in the role, he had seen that it was not necessarily the biggest investments that make the biggest impact.

“It’s the ability of the LEP to bring together various organisations, local authorities and businesses that makes the greatest difference and gets things done.

“It has been a great pleasure and honour to lead this dynamic partnership and although there have been challenges, none more so than with Covid-19, it has been a very rewarding role.

“As chair, you are able to make a real difference ‘on the ground’ and I look forward to seeing a new incumbent take up the legacy and lead the LEP’s vision to build a greener, fairer and stronger economy for the region as we emerge from the pandemic.”

The successful candidate will be announced at the Annual Conference on November 6, allowing for a five month handover between Mr Kerfoot and his successor, which the organisation said would provide “a stable transition in leadership at this critical time”.