A search was launched today for the top boss of the new local enterprise partnership tasked with supporting business in the region.

Despite no formal decision on whether the new Marches LEP has been given the go-ahead, a new executive chairman is being sought for the organisation.

The businessman or woman who will fill the role must be a “shrewd, creative, strategic and innovative thinker” with “highly developed business acumen and credibility.”

The new boss will be have to chair regular meetings of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, provide leadership in the setting and achievement of “vision, strategic objectives, targets, outputs and performance” and be able to champion the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership at local, regional and national levels.

The bid from council chiefs and business leaders in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire is understood to be on an approved list of the UK’s first local enterprise partnerships.

The Marches LEP bid is believed to be one of around 20 out of 56 which will be approved by Government ministers within the next two weeks following the scrapping of regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.

The region’s Rural Regeneration Zone has been tasked with facilitating the search and appointment of the new chairman who will be head of a board directing business development and growth for the region.

The submission to Government for the Marches LEP says: “The executive board will be chaired by a leading figure from the business community in the area with a personal reputation, network of contacts and influence that extends well beyond it.”

Already on the shadow board is Geoffrey Davies OBE, managing director of McConnel in Ludlow and chief executive of Alamo Group Europe, who is also the chairman of the Shropshire Business Board.

Also on the shadow board is Ian Dosser, chief financial officer of Capgemini in Telford and chairman of the Telford & Wrekin Economic Development Board.

Mr Dosser said: “The Marches Enterprise Partnership must include a strong business voice to support businesses in the area to grow and create good quality jobs.

“So the Partnership is looking to recruit a chair with a track record in business, someone who has a strong association with the area and who has the skills and the confidence to bang the drum for the Marches with the key decision makers including government.”

lAnyone interested in the role can contact Matt Smith, of the RRZ, on 01584 813770 or email mattsmith@advantage-wm.co.uk