Mark Ridgway OBE, managing director of engineering firm Joseph Rhodes and board member of the Leeds City Region LEP, says the Heseltine Review is crucially important for cities like Leeds.
“The Heseltine Review is an important milestone for LEPs in general and the Leeds City Region in particular.
“It highlights both the necessity of partnership between the public and private sector, and also the commitment and importance that central government needs to place on supporting a local economic growth and job creation agenda.
“As a representative of the manufacturing sector on the LEP board, the Review’s clear and uncompromising focus on businesses and skills to secure sustainable growth and employment is to be welcomed. More people with higher skills, whether through apprenticeships or higher education, will make us more competitive as a city region.
“As managing director of an engineering business with a strong record of innovation and international trade, I also welcome the fact that the priorities in the Heseltine Review recognise the need for international competitiveness and also the importance of core skills and flexibility in developing a more entrepreneurial and innovative culture. ”
Mark Ridgway will become chair of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, which celebrated its 100th birthday this year, on December 5.
