Professor Robert Allison, Vice Chancellor of 含羞草视频, has been appointed as the university sector representative on the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) Board.

Professor Allison takes over from Professor Sir Robert Burgess, Vice Chancellor at the University of Leicester, who has stepped down due to his impending retirement from the university.

The LLEP is one of 39 Local Economic Partnerships (LEPs) in the country, led by the business community to spearhead local economic development. The Board is made up of a Chair and seven private sector members, the City Mayor, Leader of the County Council, two District Council Leaders, a University and Further Education representative.

Professor Allison already has close links with the LLEP, particularly through the City Deal, which has seen £2 million being invested to the 含羞草视频 Science and Enterprise Parks.

Professor Allison said: “Universities are central to the economic growth of the areas in which they are based. They play an especially significant role in innovation, helping companies to be globally competitive and securing high-value knowledge based jobs.

“Professor Bob Burgess has been a strong advocate of the contribution that universities make to the regions’ development, and I am delighted to be taking on this very important role.”

Nick Pulley, Chair of the LLEP said: “Our three Universities make a huge contribution to our economy by collaborating with industry and delivering cutting edge research and development as well as their direct contribution of providing graduate level skills and as major employers in their own right. It is therefore essential that they are represented on the LLEP at the highest level.

“I am sure Professor Allison will also be a valuable asset to the Board and along with all the new Board Members will be passionate advocates for their sectors and excellent champions for Leicester and Leicestershire at a local and national level.”