Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership announces new board appointments

Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership has confirmed new appointments to the board with James Speller (pictured), Managing Director of construction firm Speller Metcalfe joining and current member Jennifer Long of IceBlue Digital Marketing being named Vice Chair.

The Worcestershire LEP board outlines the strategy for the LEP and sets the priorities for the delivery work that is carried out across Worcestershire. Businesses play a critical role in helping to provide feedback and insight to help inform the public and education sector partners.

Jennifer has been a member of the Worcestershire LEP board since 2020 and was recently voted into the Vice Chair role, in recognition of her contributions and continued commitment to the Board and the wider partnership over this time. Jennifer has been involved with numerous projects, most notably with BetaDen, Worcestershire’s Technology Accelerator, which was recently named Best Technology Accelerator in the country at the UK Business Tech Awards.

James is the latest Non-Executive Director to join the Worcestershire LEP board and attended his first board meeting earlier this month.

James officially took over as Managing Director of Speller Metcalfe in 2022, and is passionate about collaboration, best practice and sharing knowledge. He spearheaded the company’s first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion network and is also one of the founding forces of ‘The Knowledge Series’, Speller Metcalfe’s own CPD accredited event aimed at driving best practice in construction.

“I am delighted to now be a member of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership Board. As a Worcestershire-based contractor, I am passionate about advocating for Worcestershire’s economic prosperity. Having worked with and for many of those who sit within the bounds of the county and wider region, I know what an impact these projects can make,” said James.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is pleased to confirm the appointment of Jenny Long as Vice Chair, from the business community, to the Worcestershire LEP board. Alongside this appointment, we are also delighted to welcome James Speller, Managing Director of Speller Metcalfe to the board as a new member.

“Together Jenny and James will play vital roles in working with the board to drive the Worcestershire LEP forward to achieve our 20 year economic plan for Worcestershire.”