Outgoing Yorkshire LEP leader’s legacy of success – The Yorkshire Post says

Like the late Barry Dodd who he succeeded, the area’s growth prior to the pandemic owes much to the acumen of Mr Kerfoot and his team whose experience of business has contributed so much to policy.

Asked to describe the qualities that are required for such a role, Mr Kerfoot said: “You have to have passion about the region.” This entrepreneur, who is also relinquishing his title as High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, has certainly possessed that quality in abundance.

He’s also had to exhibit patience and diplomacy in his dealings with the Government and council leaders unaccustomed to working at the pace of private sector bosses like Mr Kerfoot who has helped to secure over £220m of new investment for skills, training and so on.

As such, it is important that his successor shares a similar outlook – North Yorkshire is in a state of flux over devolution and certain areas are particularly vulnerable to the recession due to their over-dependence on tourism and hospitality for jobs.

With the York and North Yorkshire LEP the largest in the country in terms of geography, and responsible for over 32,000 micro and small businesses, its work is crucial if the rural economy – so often overlooked by national politicians – is to be safeguarded for the greater good. The challenge now is identifying a leader to fill the big boots Mr Kerfoot has left and, in doing so, lead North Yorkshire to an even more prosperous future once current Covid-related difficulties have passed.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson