The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has named Mark Duddridge as its new chairman-elect.
Duddridge will join the LEP’s board as a non-executive director with immediate effect, and will succeed current LEP chairman, Chris Pomfret, early in the New Year.
Duddridge is currently a main board director of Samworth Brothers, which owns Callington-based Ginsters. He was MD at Ginsters for 15 years, and has been with Samworth Brothers for almost 20 years.
Speaking about the appointment, Pomfret, who had held the post since the LEP’s formation in 2011, said: “It’s nearly five years since LEPs were created and in that time we have set up something that I believe is of crucial importance to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“With the EU Growth Programme coming on stream and the Devolution Deal gathering pace, the time is right to pass on the baton and I can’t think of anyone better suited than Mark.
“He not only understands the Cornish business world profoundly, but has huge experience running one of our most successful and well known businesses. I am looking forward to working with him in the coming months before handing over in the New Year.”
Duddridge added: “I am thrilled to have been offered this position and to be joining the LEP at such an important time. Having spent much of my 30 years in industry in Cornwall, I’m looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to the job.”
The appointment has been welcomed by Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, which was part of a stakeholder panel involved in the interview process for the new LEP chairman.
Chamber president, Toby Parkins, said: “Mark has first-hand experience of running businesses in Cornwall and will be a great asset to the LEP. His passion for education and skills shines through and he has a deep understanding of what needs to be done to boost our economy and help people realise their potential.”
