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A MAJOR business body overseeing the advancement of the Solent area has hired six new bosses to help it on its mission to boost the region’s trade prospects.

Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) announced the new additions to its 16-strong board of directors this week.

The LEP is a business-led partnership tasked with driving the economic success of the Solent area and those joining the board will now play a key role in supporting the Solent economy to grow.

Among those joining the organisation include Councillor Steve Pitt, cabinet member for culture, leisure and economic development on Portsmouth City Council, and Cllr Alex Rennie, Havant Borough Council leader.

Pictured: Alex Rennie, leader of Havant Borough Council, who has also joined the Solent LEP's board of directors

Picture: Habibur Rahman — Pictured: Alex Rennie, leader of Havant Borough Council, who has also joined the Solent LEP's board of directors Picture: Habibur Rahman

Rachael Randall, Solent LEP interim chairman said: ‘I'd like to welcome all our new board members joining us to ensure Solent businesses reach their full potential and help our communities thrive.

‘We've been a long-standing champion of diversity, and I am particularly pleased that we have an equal gender balance on our board to reflect the business community we represent.

‘Bringing new voices to the table, different perspectives and new ideas leads to effective business leadership, which has never been more important as we continue to champion the Solent's economic prospects and support our communities to prosper in a fast-changing world.’

Also joining the LEP is Cllr Satvir Kaur, leader of Southampton City Council, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, of the Isle of Wight Council, Brooke Hoskins who is part of BAE Systems and Salli Shapcott who lead's Serco's UK maritime business.

Portsmouth councillor Steve Pitt has joined Solent LEPs board of directors

Picture: Sarah Standing (090320-9866) — Portsmouth councillor Steve Pitt has joined Solent LEPs board of directors Picture: Sarah Standing (090320-9866)

Alongside strategy development, the LEP is a major investor in the Solent economy and is delivering a growth programme valued at over £1.8bn supported by a LEP investment of more than £270m.

It was the first LEP in the country to have a fully elected board and has developed strong and collaborative relationships with partners in the public, private, education and community sector to bring forward investment and encourage innovation in the Solent region.

The LEPs board is made up of directors from across the public, private and education sectors.

All positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis, with the newest additions being confirmed following an open application process earlier in the year.

Solent LEP appoints new directors from Portsmouth and Havant to man the helm