I was really pleased to finally get our newly formed Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Board up and running at our first meeting on Monday this week.

I was appointed as Chair by the City Mayor and Leader of the Leicestershire County Council to help establish the Board as part of our role in helping both authorities in their economic prosperity agenda. Both Upper Tier Authorities were keen to ensure a Business Voice was at the heart of their decision making , and we have a great partnership.

As we discovered on Monday there is much to do as the new government asks us to help deliver their economic growth agenda locally. There is still much that remains uncertain about devolution and what is required in local growth strategies but we are ready to grasp opportunities and build on the work done in previous strategies to deliver inclusive growth, productivity, sustainability and innovation.

Thanks to those who have already joined the Board and after a really good first meeting I am looking forward to learning and working together for the benefit of the Leicestershire and Rutland economy.